Limestone Coast students have taken part in the local heat of WorldSkills, showcasing their vocational excellence while building their future careers.
The event showcased the skills, dedication and passion of VET students in their trades, providing them with a valuable opportunity to compete, learn and grow, while also highlighting the significant impact of vocational education on the workforce.
WorldSkills 2024 is an international competition that celebrates and promotes excellence in vocational education and training.
It offers a platform for young people from across Australia to showcase their expertise in a variety of technical and vocational fields.
By highlighting the crucial role these skills play in global economies, WorldSkills underscores the prestige associated with mastering a particular trade or profession.
The competition not only emphasises the importance of vocational careers but also contributes to bridging the skills gap across industries.
For the 15 winners from the Limestone Coast, participating in WorldSkills was more than just a competition; it was an opportunity to gain invaluable experience, learn from peers and experts and set the stage for a successful career.
The event instilled a sense of pride in their chosen fields and motivated them to strive for further excellence.
This year’s local heat involved many talented students, with categories including cookery, food and beverage service, electrotechnology, hairdressing and construction.
In the food and beverage category Mount Gambier High School’s Jess Watson won gold, with Millicent High School’s Salem Damhuis claiming silver and MGHS’s Reeghan MacDermott and Aurora Warden bronze.
Naracoorte High School’s Casey Evans won gold in cookery, with MGHS’s Luka Andrews claiming silver.
Millicent High School’s Harrison Thwaites won gold in the construction section, with Penola High School’s Riley Edwards taking silver and MGHS’s Beau Hogan bronze.
MGHS had a clean sweep of the electrotechnology category, with Aaron Dally receiving gold, Matthew Pearson silver and Riley Waugh bronze.
In the salon assistant section MGHS’s Annabelle Van Dooren won gold, with Kingston Community School’s Delta Robinson claiming silver and Naracoorte High School’s Chloe Stewart bronze.
Mount Gambier High School Vocational Pathways Coordinator Eluisa Crispino was full of praise for the students taking part.
“As a VET Leader, I was immensely proud of the students’ dedication and hard work throughout the competition,” she said.
“Their commitment, professionalism and exceptional skills in their chosen fields were on full display.
“In events like the WorldSkills Challenge, these young professionals not only showcase their talents but also elevate industry standards.
“Their participation reflects a future workforce ready to meet global challenges with confidence and expertise, embodying the very essence of vocational education and training at its best.
“I wish all the luck to our Limestone Coast winners as they compete in the upcoming regional finals in Murray Bridge.”
Mount Gambier High School Year 11 student Beau Hogan enjoyed competing, winning a medal in the construction category.
“I am proud to have won bronze in the construction competition at the World Skills Challenge,” he said.
“Building the saw horse throughout the day was a challenge and gave me the opportunity to test out my skills in the workshop.
“I am looking forward to the next round in Murray Bridge where I hope to further test my skills against students from across South Australia.”
Fellow Mount Gambier High School Year 11 student Aaron Dally also achieved success in the competition.
“The electrotechnology competition was a great experience, having the opportunity to think about and use the skills we have learnt through our Tafe course this year,” he said.
“It consisted of practical elements such as building a timber frame before fixing and securing electronic outlets to the board. We finished the day off with two theory tests to evaluate our knowledge on basic electrical principles.
“I was excited to have been awarded the gold medal for the competition, knowing that my hard work and dedication to my VET studies is paying off.”
