Three young Western Australians are on their way to Abu Dhabi to put years of hard work to the test representing Australia at the 44th WorldSkills International Competition.
The WorldSkills International Competition is the pinnacle for young skilled professionals working in a trade or vocational field and attracts competitors from around the world.
Representing WA in the Australian team is South Metropolitan TAFE-trained vehicle painter Dusti-lee Franchi, 22, from South Lake; 3D digital game artist Alex Schmidt, 21, from Parmelia who trained at North Metropolitan TAFE; and cabinet-maker Nick Johnston, 20, from Roelands who trained with South Regional TAFE.
Nick Johnston is the first Western Australian cabinet-maker to qualify for the international leg of the competition and was also a finalist in the recent WA Training Awards.
The Skillaroos were farewelled at a special ceremony at Parliament House in Sydney on the weekend and arrived in Abu Dhabi yesterday (October 9).
The WorldSkills International Competition runs from October 14-19, 2017. More than 3,000 participants representing 77 countries will compete in 51 trades and skills. Australia, currently ranked 12th in the world, is aiming to finish in the top 10 this year.