Local skills to be tested at national competition

Thursday, 8 September 2016

• Young West Australians to test skills against nation's best
• 78-member team presented with their official uniforms 

Almost 80 young apprentices, trainees and students will represent Western Australia as they take on the nation's best in the 2016 WorldSkills Australia National Competition.

Recognising members of Team WA at a special ceremony at Parliament House this week, Deputy Premier and Training and Workforce Development Minister Liza Harvey said they would be among more than 500 people under the age of 24 to compete in Melbourne in October.

"WA will field its biggest team yet for this year's event, with our young competitors vying for National Champion honours in 40 open and Vocational Education and Training in Schools categories," Ms Harvey said.

"For the first time, every region in WA will be represented."

Team WA members have been training hard in preparation for the three-day competition, under the watchful eyes of their individual mentors.

"It is a great honour to be able to represent your State and I'm sure all Team WA members will benefit greatly from their experience," the Deputy Premier said.

"These events challenge young people to achieve their best in their respective trade and skill areas, which not only helps to raise the standard of competition across all categories but it also allows young people to finetune their skills, which they can then apply in their workplace."

Ms Harvey said West Australians had done the State proud in previous national competitions, with 10 medallists in 2010, 14 in 2012 and 16 in 2014.

"Eight of these medallists went on to represent Australia in international competitions as members of the Skillaroos, three of whom won gold, silver and bronze medals," she said.

"This is a tremendous effort.  Western Australia has every reason to be proud of the success of those young people who take part in WorldSkills competitions, as they bring great credit to this State as well as to their employers and trainers."

Fact File

• WorldSkills competitions are held over a two-year cycle, showcasing skills excellence at State, national and international levels
• This year's national competition will involve more than 50 skill categories