SKILL TO TAKE ON WORLD
EIGHTEEN of Australia’s best and brightest young trades workers have been selected to represent Australia at the 44th WorldSkills International competition in Abu Dhabi in October.
The Australian team, known as the Skillaroos, are aged 19 to 22 and will compete against 77 countries.
Australia is currently ranked 12th in the world, so is aiming to finish in the top 10 in 2017.
WorldSkills Australia chief executive Brett Judd says the Skillaroos were chosen after an arduous training regime and their success at the national WorldSkills championships in Melbourne last year.
“This team has consistently shown the dedication, commitment and excellence we require of Team Australia when they represent our nation against the rest of the world,” Judd says.
“I applaud their determination and congratulate them on their se- lection. “But their success would not have been possible without the dedication and support of their skills mentors.
“The WorldSkills experts have been selected because they represent the best of their industry or skill category.
“They are also passionate about helping develop their industry and young competitors.”
Judd says WorldSkills Australia nurtures and develops the skills of young Australians.
But it also highlights the opportunities available to those pursuing a trade or skill.
“These young people are excelling in their chosen fields and many have already been rewarded with international experience and opportunities,” he says.
“Their trades are really taking them places.”
Eleven Skillaroos hail from NSW and three from WA, with one representative from each of QLD, VIC, SA and ACT.