WorldSkills regional competitions kick off on the Gold Coast

Regional competitions are pivotal for WorldSkills Australia, as they provide a competitive and supportive forum for young trainees, apprentices and students to test their skills.

The electrotechnology VETis competition drew in 23 of the most promising students from the region, each demonstrating skill and commitment.

Utilising TAFE Queensland’s state-of-the-art facilities, competitors were put to the test, tasked with completing complex projects within stringent timeframes, under the watchful eyes of esteemed industry experts and judges.

Among the judges was Dylan Redman, a WorldSkills Australia gold medalist in 2023, who is set to embark on the international stage in France later this year.

Dylan’s return to the competition as a judge highlights the continuous cycle of learning and mentorship that WorldSkills promotes.

"Being invited back as a judge is incredibly rewarding, especially being able to see the talent and dedication on display," said Dylan.

"It's inspiring to witness the journey of these young competitors and to be a part of shaping their futures in the field of electrotechnology."

His presence was not only as a judge but also as a mentor, offering words of encouragement and advice to the competitors.

"My experience as a competitor has taught me the value of perseverance. My advice to the competitors is to keep pushing forward, embracing every challenge as an opportunity to grow," he said.

Joining Dylan on the judging panel was Michael Barrett, a TAFE Queensland Electrotechnology teacher, who shared his enthusiasm for contributing to the development of the next generation of electricians.

"It's a privilege to contribute to WorldSkills as a mentor and to play a role in fostering excellence in the next generation of electricians," said Michael.

“The competitors were all focused in their task, aware that they were competing for the opportunity to potentially represent their trade on the national and international stages.”

Jaxon Curtis, a 17-year-old competitor studying a Certificate II in Electrotechnology at TAFE Queensland's Ashmore campus, reflected on his participation.

“Competing was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It was a great opportunity to show my skills and really put to the test everything I’ve been learning,” said Jaxon.

“Being amidst so much talent and under the guidance of experts like Dylan and Michael, has been incredibly motivating. I’ve seen where dedication can take you, and it’s inspiring.”

With ambitions extending beyond the regional level, Jaxon said, “I really hope I can progress to the next stage and represent the Gold Coast at a national level. It’s not just about the competition; it’s about pushing my boundaries and seeing how far I can go in my career.”

His determination and enthusiasm for his craft highlight the impact of WorldSkills competitions in fostering the next generation of skilled professionals.

Medalists from regional competitions may become eligible to progress to the WorldSkills Australia National Championships, set to take place in Brisbane in June 2025.