By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
FOUR Gordon TAFE students can boast they are among the best in Australia after winning gold, silver and bronze medals at a national Worldskills competition in Perth.
Apprentice electricians Jake Barton and Liam Diaz won gold in the mechatronics section, hairdresser Hayley Parker returned with silver and Anthony Wilksch grabbed a bronze medal in the cookery category.
The three-day event showcased the skills of 500 of Australia’s best trainees, apprentices and students in 50 skill and trade areas.
Working as a team, Mr Barton and Mr Diaz had to program and set up an automated machine to perform a set of tasks.
Geelong Worldskills chair Gary Barnes said the haul of medals was the region’s best since 1987.
“The team of 10 had been training with their teachers for months to hone their skills in preparation for the competitions,” he said.
“As well as competing for national glory, the competitors were also vying for a coveted position on the 2015 Team Australia Skillaroos heading to Sao Paulo, Brazil, to represent Australia at the 43rd WorldSkills International Competition.
“We’re really hopeful that Jake and Luke will be part of that Skillaroos team.”
