WorldSkills 2008 National Competition

Over 500 young ‘tradies’ from around Australia stormed Darling Harbour vying for the title of ‘Australian National Champion’ in their chosen trade, at the WorldSkills 2008 National Competition.

On Friday 11 July, several skilled young Australians showed Acting Minister for Education, The Hon, John Hatzistergos the thrills of their trade when he is shown how to lay a brick; snip tresses; carve meat; and let sparks fly at the WorldSkills Australia National Competition Sydney 2008 – the platform for our brightest and hardworking young people who have sought a skill or trades career path.

Across three days of the competition, from 11 to 13 July, these young master craftsmen and women showcased their skills in cutting, carving and constructing, competing for the honour of being acknowledged as Australia’s best apprentices and trainees.

It’s all part of WorldSkills Australia’s National Competition - a biennial showcase of skills and trades excellence.

For three highly charged days, spectators, mentors, trainers and judges urged the competitors onto victory and the possibility of representing Australia in the International Competition to be held in Calgary in September 2009.

Winners of the National Competition will be announced at a Presentation Ceremony at The State Theatre, Sydney on 14 July.

Those who qualify at the National Competition may then be selected for the Australian team, ‘The Skillaroos’, to defend the country’s fifth place world ranking at the WorldSkills International competition in Calgary, Canada, next year.