GOTAFE students win big in the Motorcycle Mechanics WorldSkills Competition
GOTAFE apprentices showcased their talent and skills at the regional WorldSkills Motorcycle Mechanics Competition which was held at GOTAFE’s Wangaratta Docker St Campus.
Cameron Hughes, Max Williams and Haley Hopkins, who are all enrolled in Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology (AUR30820), rose above the challenge to take home first, second and third place.
Cameron Hughes, who brought home the gold medal and will be participating in the National Competition next year, has always been passionate about motorbikes. Currently working as a second-year apprentice at Alpine Motorcycles in Wangaratta, he usually spends his time fixing and repairing motorbikes.
“My TAFE teacher encouraged me to participate in the WorldSkills Competition,” said Cameron.
“The competition was challenging; however, I had some previous work experience and that definitely helped.
“There is a great environment at GOTAFE. Everyone gets along, which is super.”
Winning the silver medal, Max Williams has grown up around motorbikes all his life.
“I think competing against other people and seeing how skilled you are or how much you really know has been one of the highlights of participating in WorldSkills,” said Max who is an apprentice at Cobram Small Engines.
Max appreciates being able to study at his own pace at GOTAFE and connecting with everyone in the class.
Haley Hopkins, who won the bronze medal at WorldSkills, rode bikes all the time as a kid. The passion grew and she chose to pursue a career in motorcycle mechanics.
Haley, who currently works as an apprentice at Alpine Motorcycles in Benalla, said “competing in WorldSkills has been quite a unique experience for me. It had a lot to do with proving my worth as a female in this trade.”
For Haley, winning the bronze medal proved to herself and to others that she is a competent mechanic and is just as capable as the boys in her class.
Being the only woman in the trade and in her class has been challenging. GOTAFE has provided her with a study and work environment wherein the teachers are supportive, and classmates are always open to helping each other.
“My teachers have always supported me a lot. I’ve been the only female in the industry for a really long time. But connecting with other people that share the same passion as you is fantastic. Everyone is happy to help out and you can build some really close friendships,” said Haley.
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