GOTAFE students heading to National WorldSkills Championships
Some 12 GOTAFE students will be attending the National WorldSkills Championships in Melbourne later this month.
Students will be competing in a range of skills-based competitions across baking, engineering, automotive, cyber security and information technology industries.
The event will be held at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre and other Melbourne CBD locations from August 17-19.
To qualify, students competed in a regional competition, with some then invited to compete at the national championships this August.
Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology (AUR30820) student Hayley Hopkins is among the 12 GOTAFE students who will compete in the national competition.
“Competing in WorldSkills has been quite a unique experience for me,” Hayley said.
“It had a lot to do with proving my worth as a female in this trade.”
While working in a male-dominant industry and being the only female 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.
“Connecting with other people that share the same passion as you is fantastic,” she said.
“Everyone is happy to help out and you can build some really close friendships.”
After the national competition, students may even be asked to join the Skills Squad, where they will have the opportunity to travel internationally and compete against the best trades and skills talent in the world.
Over the course of three years, Kai Bucktin has studied and completed two qualifications including a Certificate III in Information, Digital Media and Technology (ICT301188) and Certificate IV in Cyber Security (22334VIC).
"When I began studying with GOTAFE I was homeless. I wasn’t sure whether I would be able to handle the demands of the course, along with challenges I was facing in my personal life."
Kai is looking forward to using some of the skills he has learned through GOTAFE at the Nationals in August.
“I am nervous but looking forward to head to Nationals," Kai said.
“I think it will be a great place to enhance my skills and network with others.”
Find out more regarding WorldSkills here.