Codey out to prove he’s a cut above the rest
‘‘ “I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE TRADE AND WHAT I COULD DO WITHIN THE INDUSTRY,” CODY EMES
CODEY Emes might look young, but don’t let that fool you.
The talented butcher is off to compete against the best up and coming Australian tradespeople at the WorldSkills National Championships in Sydney in June.
Mr Emes, a 22-year-old who recently finished his retail butcher training at Axial Training and is employed by Westridge Meats and The Ridge Meats in Toowoomba, said he was nervous and excited about representing the region in the 2018 championships.
“I can’t wait for it to begin,” he said.
Supported by the New South Wales Government, the championships are part of Skills Show Australia 2018 which will be held at the International Convention Centre from Saturday, June 2 to Monday, June 4.
More than 400 competitors from across the country will vie for the title of national champion in 50 trade and skill categories.
Codey will compete in the retail butchery competition at the Skills Show, after earning his spot at the national championships after a strong performance at the 2017 WorldSkills Australia regional competitions.
“I learnt so much from the regional competition about what I can achieve if I work hard and focus on the tasks that are put in front of me,” he said. Codey’s career as a butcher began as a wash-up boy at The Ridge Meats.
“Once I finished school I asked to be put on as an apprentice to further my skills and knowledge. I fell in love with the trade and what I could do within the industry,” he said.
Codey’s hope for the future is to open his own shop and “show and teach young people the ways of a butcher”.
WorldSkills Australia CEO Brett Judd said WorldSkills Australia was nurturing and developing the skills of young Australians, and congratulated competitors for “excelling in their fields and reaching such a prestigious national level”.
He said events such as Skills Show Australia 2018 highlighted the diverse opportunities available to those pursuing a trade or skill.
For more information on Skills Show Australia 2018 visit www.skillsshow.org.au.