TRADE SKILLS ON WORLD STAGE
WORLDSKILLS Abu Dhabi 2017 is kicking off today, with an opening ceremony to present competitors from 58 countries and regions including Australia.
Eighteen young tradies dubbed “Skillaroos” will compete in 17 of the competition’s 51 skill categories, which range from carpentry and engineering to hairdressing and floristry.
Queenslanders Emilia Montague and Nathan McHugh are Australia’s representatives in the restaurant services and airconditioning and refrigeration categories, respectively.
McHugh, 21, will need to create a miniature ice skating rink under strict test conditions as part of his assessment.
Montague, 20, is originally from Brisbane but moved temporarily to Sydney after winning the national competition to focus on her training.
Although she won’t receive her test project until three days before competition, it will include tasks such as carving fruits and meats and pouring drinks. Montague says she hopes to bring more attention to vocational education and the WorldSkills competition.
“I am looking forward to sharing the experience, so people know it’s a thing,” she says.
Apart from helping her hone her skills, WorldSkills has helped Montague with her own personal development.
“Prior to the competition I was extremely shy and introverted so this whole process has gotten me out of my comfort zone and consequently I am more comfortable with my guests,” she says.
“Even studying my diploma, I was nervous to get orders.”
She has also made new friends through the competition.
“(The Skillaroos) all look out for each other,” she says.
“We’ve only met about three times but because we are the only people that know what each other are going through we automatically trust each other. We’ve got each other’s backs.”
McHugh says he has ramped up training and feeling pretty confident. “I am going there to win,” he says. “I haven’t dragged everyone along for this journey just for the sake of it.
“If I put 110 per cent in and they beat me then that was meant to be but I am not leaving anything to chance. “Hopefully that can get me the goods.” McHugh followed in his father’s footsteps when he pursued airconditioning and refrigeration but is now also completing an electrical apprenticeship with the aim to have a dual trade.
After the competition is over in Abu Dhabi, he plans to become a trainer for WorldSkills Australa’s next airconditioning and refrigeration competitor.
“It’s something I enjoy, training and helping people out and giving them the opportunity I have had,” he says. “I am part of the WorldSkills family now.”