MAKE YOUR OWN WAY

THE world is your oyster when you have a practical skill.

SkillsOne chief executive Brian Wexham says vocationally-trained workers in sectors from mechanics to defence can use their careers to travel around the globe.

“In hospitality, you’ve got cruise ships and major hotels that let you travel the world,” he says.

“I was in the Caribbean recently talking to two girls working on super yachts.

“They were from Australia and they worked with everyone from presidents through to rock stars.

“They did a hospitality course and a short boating course and they have been doing that for two years. If that’s what you would like to do, there is no limit.”

Wexham says the only potential barrier would be language but that depends on the country and the industry.

Working in a service role in Spain, for example, would likely require a grasp of Spanish.

Pastry chef Mary George (pictured), 20, has used her skills to see the world and plans to continue to travel throughout her career.

She visited France during her training to learn from French pastry chefs and last year competed in the international WorldSkills competition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

“Patisserie is one of the best jobs to get into for travelling,” she says.

“I’d like to start by travelling around Australia, maybe going to Melbourne first. It is very strong for patisserie.

“Eventually I’d like to go to France and within the next couple of years I’d like to move over there and do some work with some of the best pastry chefs in Paris. That has been my goal since I was 13 years old.”

Since returning from WorldSkills Abu Dhabi, she has been invited to work in France and Japan through fellow competitors she met.

“I’m glad I chose patisserie because I don’t only love food but I love to travel,” she says.