Australia’s trainees and apprentices took their skills to the world’s best this August at the WorldSkills Competition.
Placing eighth overall, the team of 15 made up one of 66 national teams that competed in the Russian city of Kazan.
The competition, which showcases the benefits of skilled trade professionals and vocational institutions, ranked contestants with a bronze, silver, or gold medal.
Clinton Larkings came away with a silver medal in the Industrial Mechanics (Millwright) category, which tested the TAFE NSW Orange student’s ability to install, maintain, repair, and remove machinery and equipment.
Anthony Ters, of TAFE NSW Mount Druitt, received the Medallion of Excellence in Automobile technology.
Bronze medals were also worn by Patrick Brennan, for refrigeration & air-conditioning, and Patrick Keating for plumbing and heating.
The team as a whole is known as the Skillaroos and hopes to improve their performance at the 46th WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai in two years’ time.
“We are all very impressed with the performance of the team, they showcased the power of excellence and demonstrated the strength of vocational education and training in Australia,” said Brigitte Collins, WorldSkills Australia general manager.
Overall, China came out on top of the medal tally, with a total of 35 medals, 16 gold. Host nation Russia followed, with 22 total medals, 14 gold.