National Skills Week 2013

WorldSkills Australia is pleased to announce that our international gold medallist in the Automotive Technology category, Timothy Taylor, will be speaking at the official launch of National Skills Week 2013 on Tuesday the 13^th of August in Melbourne.

National Skills week, being held this year between August 26^th and September 1^st, is an important initiative which focuses on highlighting the opportunities, the achievements and excellence of Australia’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.

“WorldSkills Australia is proud to be associated with National Skills Week, an event which is dedicated to raising the status of vocational education and training and showcasing the opportunities available through a trade or skill-based career,” says Mark Callaghan, CEO of WorldSkills Australia.

WorldSkills Australia (WSA) is a not-for-profit organisation which aims to create an aspirational community for vocational education and training (VET) students nationally. It raises the status of apprenticeships and traineeships via a program of competitions aligned to National Training Packages and works to promote the value of choosing a VET pathway as a first choice career option for young Australians.

“WSA programs unearth  ‘Skill Ambassadors’ -the perfect role models for all young Australians who are contemplating their futures and are shining examples  of what can be achieved in a trade or skills-based career. Role models, such as Timothy Taylor, who was able to display to the world not only the high standard of training available in Australia but also where his apprenticeship was able to take him when he applied some hard-work, passion and dedication to his job,” says Mark.

Timothy has recently returned from the 42^nd WorldSkills International Competition in Germany, which took place in July. Over four days of competition, 1000 competitors representing 46 skill categories and 54 countries put their skills to the test, in what is the world’s largest and most prestigious trade and skill competition.

To be awarded a gold medal at this event and to hold the prestigious title of “Best Automotive Technician in the World” is an outstanding achievement for both Timothy and Australia.

Timothy will be sharing his inspirational story at the launch of National Skills Week 2013 alongside several other Australian Apprenticeships Ambassadors including Bryan Norrie from the Melbourne Storm.  The event will be formally launched by the Hon. Brendan O’Conner, Minister for Employment, Skills and Training at the Melbourne Automotive Centre for Excellence.

For more information about National Skills Week 2013 visit www.nationalskillsweek.com.au.