TRAINING PAYS OFF FOR WORLDSKILLS MEDALLISTS

TWO Queensland tradies have returned from WorldSkills Kazan 2019 with medals.

Gympie’s Patrick Brennan won a bronze medal in the refrigeration and airconditioning event, while Gladstone’s Anthony Cobb received a Medallion of Excellence for scoring more than 700 points in electrical installation.

Both have spent the past two years training for and competing in regional and national competitions to qualify for the 45th International WorldSkills Competition, held in Russia, often dubbed the “trades and skills Olympics”.

Brennan received his medal on stage at the closing ceremony in front of thousands of people, including Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as millions who live-streamed the event.

Cobb, an apprentice electrician, encourages other apprentices and trainees to get involved in WorldSkills competitions.

“Give it a go,” he says. “I have learnt so much from my experience so far being a Skillaroo, and have been exposed to many different areas of my trade and types of equipment, which I wouldn’t have had, had I not competed or been involved.”

Four of Australia’s 15 Skillaroos picked up medals at WorldSkills Kazan 2019, ranking the country eighth out of 63 nations, based on average point score – behind China, Korea, Switzerland, Chinese Taipei, Russia, South Tyrol Italy and France. It is up from 10th at the last international competition in Abu Dhabi in 2017.

The next international competition will be in Shanghai in 2021.

For more information, visit worldskills.org.au