John Rudge's interest in electrical installation was sparked when he undertook his Year 10 school work placement with an electrician.

He completed his HSC and after being offered both university and TAFE places, chose to pursue a trade career. John was awarded a Gold medal at the 2005 NSW Macquarie Regional Wordskills competition and again won gold at the 2006 National Worldskills Competition.

Added to his list of achievements was the 2006 Group Training Apprentice of the Year prize and a Scholarship he received from the Minister for Education.

Now a third year apprentice electrician John is representing Australia in the electrical installation category in the Worldskills International Competition to take place in Shizuoka City, Japan in November 2007.

When we catch up with John, he is at the Wordskills simulated competition in Newcastle NSW, preparing to compete at in Japan against the best apprentices from around the world.