Wanneroo tiler determined for success

WorldSkills Australia (WSA) is pleased to introduce you to Mick Ivey, a very talented young wall and floor tiler from Wanneroo in Western Australia, who today becomes the fourth regional champion and national competitor we are profiling in the lead up to ‘The Ultimate Skills Challenge’.

Mick, at only 20 years old, is set to battle it out against other young wall and floor tilers from up to 31 regions across Australia at the 2014 WorldSkills Australia National Competition, where he hopes to add to his gold medal count and claim the title as ‘Nation’s Best’.

Mick, who is currently employed by Westwide Tiling Service and attends Polytechnic West’s Balga Campus, will also be vying for a coveted position on the 2015 Team Australia Skillaroos who will head to São Paulo, Brazil for the 43rd WorldSkills International Competition.

“I’m stoked about winning the gold medal at the Regional Competition and I can’t wait to compete on a national level. I’m a bit nervous but I’ll give it all I’ve got and hopefully I can make it to the International Competition”, said Mick about his recent win.

In the lead up to the National Competition Mick will intensify his training under the guidance of mentor Ron Simeon, a Wall and Floor Tiling Lecturer at Polytechnic West and past WSA International Expert. “Mick maintains a very high work ethic, has a keen eye for detail and produces work well in advance of his four years in the tiling industry. During the competition Mick just has to stay focused, relaxed and follow his game plan, it works. Don’t watch the others, let them watch you” is Ron’s advice to Mick.

Ron is not the only person hoping Mick achieves outstanding results at the National Competition, Brenden Jaeschke, Mick’s supportive boss and also a 2008 WSA National Competition silver medallist, is keen to see him succeed.