World Skills Australia

$14,425 to send a competitor to Japan

Mark Callaghan, Chief Executive Officer

www.worldskils.com.au

Worldskills Australia is a non-profi t organisation which conducts trade and skill competitions to challenge young people to achieve work skill excellence. Every two years Worldskills hosts national finals, and from that competition it draws together a national representative team to compete at the International Championships.

In November 2007 the 39th Worldskills International Competition will be held in Numazu City, Japan. Australia is taking a team of 28 dynamic young skill champions to compete on this international stage. Each representative has competed at national Worldskills level, with most being winners in their categories. A grant from The George Alexander Foundation provided the required funding for Joel Drew to represent Australia in the Jewellery Category at the International Competition.

With over 900 young people competing from over 46 different countries, the International competition will provide Australian representatives with an opportunity to test their skills against tough international competitors and standards. The ultimate prize will be gold, silver and bronze medals and the satisfaction of knowing that within their chosen fields, young Australians can compete with the very best in the world.

The Worldskills competitions regionally, nationally and internationally help to showcase the vocational education and training opportunities available to young people, while also increasing the level of skill and trade excellence across Australia.

“Competing is a great way to develop skills and confidence. The Worldskills Australia competitions are well recognised amongst the industry and will help boost any career. The trade that I do allows so much creativity and provides a great sense of satisfaction. I think most trades are like that –when you get to build or create something with your hands, it’s truly your own work.”

Joel Drew, George Alexander Foundation World Skills Competitor