By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Eighteen of the region’s top young tradespeople will compete at a 2016 WorldSkills Australia National Competition in Melbourne.
And lady tradies are leading the way as part of the team, selected following last year’s regional WorldSkills competition.
The Geelong competitors will join 500 from across the country at Melbourne Showgrounds in October to vie for honours as a national champion in more than 50 skill categories.
Among them will be Kate Elstone, an apprentice cabinetmaker from Drysdale who earned her spot after securing a gold medal in cabinetmaking at the regional level.
Kate had experience on her side having competed at the 2014 WorldSkills Australia National Competition in Perth, placing 11th as a second year apprentice.
Now, the Gordon TAFE final year apprentice said she is determined to win national gold this time.
“Not only would I be achieving a dream of mine but to also beat my placing from the last time I competed would mean a great deal to me,” Kate said.
“I feel privileged to have the opportunity yet again and I hope that I can leave a lasting impression on my fellow competitors.
“I’m proud but nervous, too. I’m hoping to learn what I can from the experience, meet new people, have fun and hopefully do well.”
Apprentice electrician and instrumentation technician Hannah Terry has also started training for the national competition.
The Lethbridge Gordon TAFE student said she understood the importance of choosing the right career.
“I just looked at what I’m good at, what I enjoy and where it could take me,” Hannah said.
Among them is Chevonne Nicholas – an apprentice florist from Werribee Station Place Florist.
The Little River florist will compete after earning a silver medal in the regional competition.
The 21-year-old has already gathered an impressive collection of awards including first and second places in various divisions of the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, a first in the Oasis Designz Cup and second at the Australian Association of Floral Designers.
Chevonne studies her apprenticeship at Marjorie Milner College.
