GOTAFE WorldSkills success celebrated
GOTAFE students who participated in the Victorian Central Regional WorldSkills competition have celebrated in Wangaratta with an awards ceremony.
Some 28 awards were presented across 10 skills categories, with recipients from a diverse range of skill sets and locations celebrating in front of their proud family, friends, employers and GOTAFE staff.
Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade (MEM30319) student Henry Congues from Nathalia was named a dual medallist, taking gold medals in both the Welding and Construction Steelwork competitions.
Henry’s teacher, Lead Educator - Engineering Nick Woods said “Henry was a standout in both construction steelwork and welding categories highlighting his skills both technically and intellectually.”
“Henry has always been a highly motivated and driven student who has progressed through his training at GOTAFE with ease.”
A critical element of succeeding at WorldSkills is the support offered by employers.
Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE3220) student Jed Coolahan had the support of his workplace, with Contracts Manager at John Morrow Refrigeration Darren Maxted saying Jed's participation in the competition benefitted his workplace.
“We are dedicated to raising standards in work-based learning, and contributing to the growth of our employees like Jed,” Darren Maxted, Contracts Manager at John Morrow Refrigeration said.
“Supporting employees to go above and beyond to be the very best in their profession has added value to our business.”
The regional competitions are held every two years, showcasing the skills of over 4000 apprentices, trainees and students nation-wide who are competing for the chance to win gold, silver and bronze medals and go on to compete at a national level.
Executive Director Student Experience Laura Baker said GOTAFE is proud to have had so many students participating in the competitions, which promote excellence in industry.
“WorldSkills promotes the importance of vocational education and supports students in gaining confidence and relevant skills to enhance their impact in industry,” Ms Baker said.
“We’re privileged to have dedicated teachers at GOTAFE who invest time into creating these opportunities for our students through mentoring them, making space in busy study schedules and often serving as judges in competitions.
“It is also a great way to build strong links with industry, as our students have industry-ready skills, which we know employers are searching for.”
“Congratulations to all our competitors who took part in the regional competition.”
Full list of winners
Construction Steelwork Winners:
PLACE | NAME | EMPLOYER |
BRONZE | Bradley Collins | Kestrel Apprentice Solutions (Furphy Foundry) |
SILVER | Fraser Ellis | Furphy Engineering |
GOLD | Henry Congues | Blazin Contracting Services |
Welding Winners:
BRONZE | Bradley Collins | Kestrel Apprentice Solutions (Furphy Foundry) |
SILVER | Michael Argaet | TMF Engineering |
GOLD | Henry Congues | Blazin Contracting Services |
Air-con and Refrigeration Winners:
BRONZE | Logan Hall | DB Refrigeration & AirConditioning, Yarrawonga |
SILVER | Darby West | GSR Refrigeration, Air Conditioning & Electrical, Wangaratta |
GOLD | Jed Coolahan | John Morrow Refrigeration - Heating & Cooling, Shepparton |
Autobody Refinishing Winners:
BRONZE | Ayden Prowd | Dosser Panels, Benalla |
BRONZE | Lachlan Bilney | Heywoods Shepparton Motor Panel |
SILVER | Aziah Capper | Billys Custom Spraypainting, Corowa |
GOLD | Benjamin Millen | Harris Panel Beating, Numurkah |
Autobody Repair Winners:
BRONZE | Jai McCleery | Mansfield Motor Panels |
SILVER | Jacob Haberman | Corowa Smash Repairs |
GOLD | Nicholas Stephens | Complete Body Craft, Rutherglen |
Motorcycle Mechanics:
BRONZE | Hayley Hopkins | Alpine Motorcycles Yamaha, Wangaratta (Jacob Group) |
SILVER | Max Williams | Cobram Small Engine |
GOLD | Ethan Marsh | Shepparton Motorcycles & Power Equipment (Jacob Group) |
Light Vehicle:
BRONZE | Benjamin Everingham | Wangaratta Mazda |
BRONZE | Joshua Odorico | Ovens Ford, Wangaratta |
SILVER | Jackson Van Der Hoeven | Total Vehicle Solutions, Mansfield |
GOLD | James Lennox | Dondio Mechanical Repairs, Myrtleford |
Heavy Vehicle:
BRONZE | Mathew Schulze | Kurt Rouse Transport, Myrtleford |
SILVER | George Mckimmie | Wyatt Mechanical |
GOLD | Lachlan Dunne | Cummins South Pacific |
Graphic Design:
BRONZE | Pipa Sanderson | WODONGA TAFE |
SILVER | Zack Corless | WODONGA TAFE |
GOLD | Casey Bromley | DA Signs – Darren Andrews |
