The Team Australia ‘Skillaroos' have departed to Japan for the 39th International WorldSkills Competition with a message from the PM and support from family, friends and industry.
It has been a year since WorldSkills Australia announced the team to compete in Japan, with 27 of Australia's best trade and skill technicians boarding a Qantas jet for Japan last Friday.
They were sent off in style, with an official function at Dolton House in Pyrmont Sydney and tremendous support from their Experts, employers, family and friends.
The 27 competitors will represent Australia in 24 trade categories as they compete to maintain Australia's current 9th position, said WorldSkills Australia CEO Mark Callaghan.
"We are proud to have these 27 young people representing the very best in skills and trades that Australia has to offer," he said.
"The Skillaroos will act as ambassadors for their industries, and for their country, with enthusiasm and dedication that will showcase the very best of our young people, and encourage others to take up trade and skill-based careers."
They were also farewelled by some of their littlest fans - Katrina, Matthew, Taylor and Abi - who dressed up as their favourite trade in a show of support for the Skillaroos team.
Cooking competitor Suwanna Rattananikom, said she was thrilled to see nine-year-old Taylor dressed as a chef and definitely recommends the occupation to other youngsters.
"Being in this competition has been an amazing experience. After two years of training and competing, it's so exciting to be finally leaving for Japan," Suwanna said.
Also speaking at the official farwell function was Australia's only Winter Olympic Gold Medallist Steven Bradbury who knows first-hand about persistence and striving for success and shared some of the highs and lows of his speed-skating career with the Skillroos.
"I hope they can take inspiration from my story, and turn it into success in Japan and in their lives ahead," he said.
"They are a very talented and motivated group, but it's a big ask and impressive if we get even a couple of winners."
"But I always say, if you know in your own mind that you have done your very best, then it doesn't matter where you finish, you have achieved."
The team even received a farewell message Prime Minister John Howard, who said Australia will require a more skilled workforce whose members are adaptable throughout their careers to changing product and skills demand.
In his written message to the team, the PM commented: "The Skillaroos typify the very best in Australian skills training and execution, and I am confident you will do Australia proud on the world stage."
The competition kicks off tomorrow in Shizuoka, Japan.
Over 200,000 spectators are expected to watch as more than 850 competitors from 48 countries compete for the honour of being named the world's most skilled nation.
You can keep up to date with the competitors and hear their daily reports from the WorldSkills Australia website.
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