Nicholas Roman

Joinery

Training Institute: TAFE NSW Illawarra Institute, Wollongong Campus
Qualification: Certificate III in Shopfitting & Detailed Joinery
National Results: Gold Medal

Skillaroo Nicholas Roman is a talented professional with a clear determination to thrive within his trade.

How would you describe yourself in five terms or less?
I would like to think an easy going cool kid.

Would you recommend your trade to others?
I would definitely recommend my trade to others who like to be hands on and get some sort of satisfaction when a nice piece of work has been produced. Also, it is a trade that offers many different types of materials to be used so you can have a wider variety of skills.

How did you first become involved in WorldSkills Australia?
I first heard of WSA though school in my subject construction and entered the VETIS Construction competition. My passion for doing well in what I liked started from there and I entered many more WSA comps after this.

Would you recommend others to participate in a WorldSkills Australia competition? What advice would you give them?
I would definitely recommend it. It gives you a better understating of your trade, and you can grow and enhance your skills so much. It’s also a great opportunity to showcase some skills, and who knows where it can take you if you do well.

What do you hope to achieve both in the short and long term of your career?
To advance and perfect some of the skills I do on a daily basis. I would like to make advanced projects and see myself make some unique furniture. Long term, I would like to succeed in my current trade and possibly have some job opportunities overseas down the track. I would also like to get into house renovations and building new houses.

How do you feel about representing Australia in São Paulo, Brazil?
I am so honoured and stoked. Not only representing my country but representing my trade and what it stands for will be unreal. It will be one of the best life experiences and something that I will be able to keep with me forever.

Expert

Dion Iori

International Expert for Joinery, Dion Iori is a passionate WorldSkills Australia mentor with a keen eye for detail.

How long have you been involved with WorldSkills Australia?
10 years.

Why have you chosen to volunteer your time with WorldSkills Australia?
To give the competitor the best chance of success at the international level. I enjoy the satisfied look on a competitors face after they have completed the project to a high standard.

Describe how your involvement with WorldSkills Australia has benefited you personally and professionally.
WorldSkills Australia has broadened my understanding of other skills and trades and my knowledge in watching how other skills run their training and competitions. It has assisted with my local regional role as WorldSkills Australia Coordinator at TAFE NSW South Western Sydney Institute.

Would you recommend others to get involved in WorldSkills Australia competitions? What advice would you give them?
Yes – it is a great team to be involved with, and you get the opportunity to work with / train the best tradespeople in Australia.

What advice would you give to the 2015 Skillaroos?
Train hard, do your best, leave nothing to chance and enjoy the experience.