Next generation of trades and skills talent discovered as 2015 Regional Competitions draw to a close

With less than two months to go, young apprentices, trainees and students continue to vie for their chance to represent their regions at the 2016 WorldSkills Australia National Competition in Melbourne.

The 2015 WorldSkills Australia Regional Competitions have been running since March, where hundreds of young hopefuls from across the country have stepped up to the challenge and wowed the judges with their skills and expertise.

“We have been really excited to see this year’s regional competition numbers swell, with increased interest following the 2014 WorldSkills Australia National Competition in Perth,” says WA State Manager, Fiona Johnson. “It has been fantastic to see a wider spread of involvement across our non-metro regions, and a significant uptake in competitor numbers – particularly at VETiS level.”

Glen Woods, who is the Year 1 Coordinator for Plumbing at RMIT University said that his first time acting as a judge for the Melbourne Region’s plumbing competition has been a great experience. “There is a wide mix of skill levels represented, but the level of workmanship has been quite high across the board,” he said.

“It is a pleasure to see these kids come in as first years and come out with their Journeyman’s, and to take an opportunity like this. The competition has been great, and I think the guys have really enjoyed it as well.”

As the first round of the competition cycle draws to a close, WorldSkills Australia CEO, Mark Callaghan reinforces the importance of the Regional Competitions in promoting trades and skills as viable first-choice career options.

“As a nation we need to continue to strive for skills excellence, celebrate achievements in the vocational education and training sector and work together to raise the awareness of the opportunities that are available in a trade or skills based career,” he says.

“The best way to do this is by showcasing role models – ‘real’ role models such as those who take up the challenge at a regional competition and have the opportunity to progress through the WorldSkills Australia competition process – proudly representing their region, their industry and their country.”

The 2015 WorldSkills Australia Regional Competitions will run until the end of November. For more information on upcoming competitions, visit: www.worldskills.org.au/events/categories/regional-competitions