Engineering apprentices podium finish at Regional WorldSkills Competition
Three GOTAFE engineering apprentices have excelled in the Regional WorldSkills Competition, winning gold, silver and bronze.
The competition was held at GOTAFE’s Fryers St Campus last week. Students were required to construct a steam roller from scratch within a six-hour time frame.
Following in the footsteps of his father, Macka White is currently in his third year of an engineering apprenticeship at GOTAFE. He recently took out first place at the regional competition.
“My Dad’s an engineer and has his own business. I’ve been working with him since I was young,” he said.
WorldSkills has enabled Macka to improve elements of his workmanship including accuracy and efficiency, something that is important in his line of work.
“I’ve enjoyed the challenge of WorldSkills,” he said.
“The time crunch and having to work efficiently has been really enjoyable.”
Following his win, Macka will be progressing through to the National WorldSkills competition in Melbourne next year.
Coming in second and third place was Bradey Curtis and Kasey Sullivan respectively. Bradey originally enrolled in an automotive course at GOTAFE but has found his true passion in engineering.
“I love making things, I am a fairly creative person,” he said.
Participating in the WorldSkills competition has given him experience using new tools and techniques.
“It has helped me refine my skills. It has been really helpful,” Bradey said.
Kasey Sullivan is currently completing her second year of an engineering apprenticeship after starting a Certificate II in Engineering Studies (22470VIC) in Year 10.
“I did metalwork at school and really enjoyed it,” she said.
"“The course has been challenging me a lot. There are so many different people, all different age brackets and I get to communicate and learn from them. I love it.”"
GOTAFE Trainer and Assessor in Metal Fabrication, Stephen Foster has watched on as his students have developed their skills and was proud to see them utilise some of their learnings at WorldSkills.
“I enjoy WorldSkills because it gives everyone an opportunity to show their skills,” he said.
“The students find out what they can do when they put themselves under pressure.”
“If you can get involved, I would encourage it,” he said.