Dylan makes sparks fly striking gold at WorldSkills

Over 500 exceptional young apprentices and trainees from across the nation showcased their talents in more than 50 trades and skill categories at the 'Olympic-style' event.

The competition featured remarkable representation from TAFE Queensland Gold Coast, with six students participating, resulting in a triumphant three-medal victory, with Jordon Swebeck (IT Network Systems Administration) and Charlie Wright (Metals and Engineering) proudly bringing home silver medals.

Reflecting on his first-place achievement, Dylan said nothing can compare to winning the Gold Medal for Electrical in the WorldSkills Australian National championships.

“The nerves, the butterflies, the anxiety, all built up to that one moment, hearing my name being called to receive the gold medal. It really was a dream come true and I will never forget that moment,” he said.

The 21-year-old is eligible to be selected for Team Skillaroos who will represent Australia at the 2024 WorldSkills Competition in France.

“I can’t wait to have the opportunity to show my commitment and dedication on a global stage representing my country Australia, and the Electrical Industry,” Dylan said.

Meanwhile, silver medallists Jordan Swebeck said he highly encourages all students to get involved in WorldSkills.

“It was well out of my comfort zone, but for that reason it pushed me harder than anything. The people I met and the skills I attained will help me for the rest of my life,” he said.

“It was a competitive environment that allowed for me to exceed the limit of what I thought I was capable of. Winning silver felt amazing, and I also felt a huge sense of accomplishment representing Queensland and the Gold Coast.”

TAFE Queensland General Manager, Karen Dickinson said TAFE Queensland has long been a strong supporter of WorldSkills Australia and is proud of everyone who represented the organisation.

“These high-flying students have done TAFE Queensland and the Gold Coast proud, and have dedicated themselves to becoming world-class tradespeople,” she said.

“WorldSkills competitions encourage our students and apprentices to take pride in their craft, and helps to drive quality employees at a time when the nation needs skilled workers.”

All three Gold Coast medal winners cite their teachers and mentors as key reasons for their success, a statistic Ms Dickinson said confirms the state’s largest training provider is delivering top quality training.      

“TAFE Queensland provides quality training across many industries and strives to deliver the skilled workers that can lead Queensland’s economy for generations to come, these apprentices and students are key examples of the high-quality graduates produced at TAFE Queensland,” she said.

The event is as much an exhibition and celebration of the Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector as it is a high-stakes skills competition, and attracted just under 27,000 spectators.