Aussie Skillaroos take on the world

05-07-2011

Twenty nine young Australians will pit their skills against competitors from 17 other countries as part of the WorldSkills Australia Global Skills Challenge being held in Wollongong, NSW.

Minister for Skills and Jobs, Senator Chris Evans, said the event brings together 29 of Australia’s best young skills champions to compete across a range of skill categories from web design through to bricklaying and cooking.

The Skillaroos are competing against 51 other skills champions from countries including NZ, UK, Canada, France, the Netherlands, Jamaica, Singapore, Japan and Vietnam.

“The Global Skills Challenge is a four day event which replicates, as closely as possible, the conditions to be experienced by the Skillaroos at the 41st WorldSkills International Competition in London later this year,” Senator Evans said. 

Senator Evans said competitors from more than 50 countries, representing 45 skills areas will compete in London, and the Global Skills Challenge will provide the Skillaroos a valuable preparation and training opportunity.

“The team will be defending Australia’s current fifth place ranking in London in October, Senator Evans said.

“Australia will also send a number of its VET teachers to adjudicate at the WorldSkills International Competition in London underlining the fact that Australia’s VET teachers are recognised as some of the best in the world.

“Both these events are a great way for Australia to showcase our world-class training in a wide range of skills areas.”

The Federal Government has allocated $1.43 million a year for the next three years to WorldSkills Australia.

This funding is used to support skills competitions and a range of additional activities including:

Operating a VET in Schools program as an integral part of WorldSkills Australia competition cycles;

Maximising participation in WorldSkills Try-a-Trade activities and

Undertaking research to evaluate the role skills excellence competitions play to support the Australian Government VET Agenda.

The Skillaroos will be in action at TAFE NSW Illawarra Institute – Wollongong Campus from July 5-8.

For information regarding the Global Skills Challenge visit: www.worldskills.org.au or contact WorldSkills Australia on: 03 9249 1000.

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