A Logan father and son team will be hoping to have an edge on the field at the WorldSkills Australia National Championships this weekend.
The event will be at a number of Brisbane campuses from August Thursday until Saturday and will pit the best trade students against each other.
Electrical apprentice Lachlan Turnbull will be one of 73 trainees and apprentices, but he’s got some inside knowledge – taught by his TAFE-teaching dad Warren.
Due to Covid restrictions, this year’s event will be contested in four states, but SkillsTech electrical teacher Warren has been involved for 20 years and has a strong idea of how it’s contested and won.
Lachlan said he is looking forward to competing and feels very lucky to have been chosen as part of the Queensland team.
“So far it’s been really great. I’m feeling a bit nervous but I have done all that I can do to prepare. Having dad to help with my training has definitely made things a lot easier,” Lachlan said.
Lachlan will compete at TAFE Queensland’s Bundaberg campus where his skills will be assessed by a team of WorldSkills Australia judges.
The Championships were originally postponed in 2020 due to implications relating to COVID-19. The extra time has given competitors more training time to perfect their skills and ready themselves ahead of competing on a national stage.
The 2021 Queensland team members became eligible for selection after competing in WorldSkills Australia regional competitions across the state.
They will represent their families, employers and in Lachlan’s case, the Brisbane region.
Nationally, about 400 competitors from 34 regions will compete in 50 different trade and skills areas.
They’ll compete in a range of simulated work environments.
WorldSkills Australia Queensland Manager Eric Davis has been involved with the Championships since 2003 and said he was once again excited to see the Queensland team test their skills against Australia’s best.
“Each year, the Championships provide competitors with the opportunity to practice and perfect their skill area in a supportive environment then test their skills against their industry peers,” Mr Davis said.
“Participating also provides competitors with the chance to develop important relationships within their industry Australia-wide. The benefits for trainees and apprentices are endless – from further developing their skills to networking,
forging new friendships and creating exciting new career opportunities.”
