GOTAFE students excel at automotive competition
GOTAFE apprentices are leading the state in automotive body repair. Dylan Hansen, Mitchell Heenan and Jye Milthorp won gold, silver and bronze in the Auto Body Repair – Panel WorldSkills Competition.
Dylan completed his apprenticeship in July and is now working full-time as a panel beater in Albury.
“I have always had a passion for working on cars” said Dylan who showed great talent and efficiency, placing first in the WorldSkills Competition.
His favourite part about studying the Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology (AUR32116) at GOTAFE was learning metal forming and welding. Dylan had the opportunity to showcase these skills during the WorldSkills Competition.
Following his win, Dylan will be progressing through to the National WorldSkills Competition in Melbourne next year.
Mitchell Heenan and Jye Milthorp won the silver and bronze medals respectively.
Mitchell Heenan who is currently studying Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology (AUR32116) said, “I have always loved cars and thought it was time to get out there and pursue a career in the automotive industry.”
During the competition, students were required to drill apart a mock chassis on a car, undo spot welds, shorten it by 100 millimeters and weld it back together. They were then required to repair and metal finish a dented car panel.
"I had never done anything like this before. It was a bit difficult because you're trying to think about what you're supposed to be doing, as well as competing at the same at the same time."
Jye Milthorp who is currently enrolled in Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology (AUR32420), has always enjoyed working with trucks. So, when he had to work on cars for the WorldSkills competition, it was a bit different than what he was used to.
“It was challenging to work under the time pressure of the competition, but it was a great experience to work on something different than what I usually do,” said Jye.
The WorldSkills Competition aims to get Australia’s young people excited about skills and trades which opens a myriad of opportunities.
Find out more about WorldSkills