GOTAFE and Wodonga TAFE celebrate launch of regional WorldSkills competition
GOTAFE and Wodonga TAFE celebrated the launch of the Regional WorldSkills competition recently.
The milestone was celebrated with a morning tea at GOTAFE’s Trade Training Centre at Docker Street, Wangaratta.
The WorldSkills competition provides a platform for apprentices, trainees, and students from all over regional Victoria to showcase their talents and represent their industries. Students who participate have the chance to win gold, silver, and bronze medals and go on to compete at a national level. Every two years, more than 500 competitions are held in 42 regions across Australia.
“I’m really looking forward to the regional competition taking place in the central Victorian region,” Mick Prato, Victorian Regional Manager, WorldSkills said.
"It gives a platform to local students and provides an opportunity to represent Victoria at the next WorldSkills Australia National Championships, which will take place in Melbourne in August 2023."
Mick Prato, Victorian Regional Manager, WorldSkills
“If you want to be the best in your field, this is a great way to go ahead and prove it – it's a practical application.
“WorldSkills competitors should return from the competition better employees because of the soft skills they pick up along the way.”
From July to October regional competitions are being held at GOTAFE and Wodonga TAFE.
Both GOTAFE and Wodonga TAFE are proud to again be participating in WorldSkills, as it is a great platform to showcase the depth of talent and quality of students and businesses in regional Victoria.
“Students who participate in WorldSkills are put under competitive pressure and learn to balance speed and accuracy to complete their projects, which better prepares them for industry,” Travis Heeney, GOTAFE CEO said.
GOTAFE student Brylee Roberts followed his passion for computers and technology which steered him towards enrolling in a Certificate IV in Cyber Security with GOTAFE. Brylee competed in WorldSkills last year and loved every minute.
“Since I was a teenager one of my hobbies has been breaking computers and finding different ways to access information,” Brylee said.
“While my strength has always been in breaking down systems, it’s been really interesting learning how to defend and stop that from happening.”
Competitors and their trainers are the stars of the regional competitions, but training providers have an important role to play in WorldSkills.
“This year’s central Victorian WorldSkills competition caters for 18 study areas and industries in our region,” said Phil Paterson, CEO, Wodonga TAFE.
“The WorldSkills competition provides a fantastic opportunity for students to network, build skills and confidence, and create a platform for them to become highly recognised in their industries and skillsets.”
Learn more about WorldSkills