CDU’s best to compete at WorldSkills Australia

Three Charles Darwin University students are among a team of six from the Northern Territory that will vie for gold at the WorldSkills National Championships in Sydney next month.

More than 500 of Australia’s best apprentices and tradespeople will compete in categories ranging from conventional trades such as bricklaying, through to web design and hairdressing.

Luke Unwin (plumber), Toby Grant (baker) and Simone Place (hairdresser) will join Chloe Taylor (chef) and two VETiS students from Gove at the national competition.

Luke Unwin, who graduated with a Certificate III in Plumbing last week, credits his ‘hands-on training’ in helping him get to the national finals.

"It's pretty surreal that I'm going to WorldSkills," he said. "I did my apprentice training at CDU and on-the-job at Wigg Plumbing,” he said. 

“I’ve been training hard for the competition with my lecturer putting me through my paces. I’m really excited as it's such a big opportunity for me and I want to do my best.”

Plumbing Lecturer Lachlan Marr said he was very proud of the group.

“They’re the best of the best in the Territory,” he said. “WorldSkills Australia is a huge event in the VET circles, bringing together the best young people from across Australia.”

He said the team would spend up to 20 hours battling it out with the nation’s best for a spot to compete in the ‘Tradies Olympics’.

“Our group is in the mix and have a very real shot at representing Australia in the international competition in Russia next year.”

VET Business team leader Fran Gusthart, will also head to Sydney as a judge for the VETiS Business Services category at the competition.