| If you have trouble viewing this email, click here. Edit my contact details. Forward this email to a friend. |
Where Are They Now? Dear WorldSkills Supporter, Mark’s Message
Time flies. Who can believe that Friday the 21st of November marks one year since the 2007 Skillaroos were ranked fifth at the conclusion of the 39th WorldSkills Competition in Shizuoka, Japan? A lot has happened in the year since the Skillaroos triumph in Japan including the very successful 2008 WorldSkills Australia National Competition, where a new breed of skills champions were unearthed and subsequently selected to represent Australia as the 2009 Team Australia Skillaroos. While preparations are now well underway for the 2009 round of Regional competitions – the place where the WorldSkills journey begins - as well as the 40th WorldSkills Competition to be held in Calgary, Canada in September 2009, I think it is important to spend some time considering where WorldSkills has taken the 2007 Skillaroos in the year following Japan. For many, the WorldSkills experience has been the start of a tremendous journey where they have been able to continue to improve their career and life skills. While in Japan, the 2007 Skillaroos forged a reputation as being the perfect ambassadors for their skill/trade as well as their country. Many continue in this ambassadorial role whether it is back here in Australia or in one of a number of countries overseas. From the likes of John Rudge and Dale McMullen who are telling their inspirational stories to audiences around the country and Stuart Aisbett and Shareena Sloan who have been involved in the Australian Apprenticeship Roundtable discussions (reporting their findings and feedback to the Deputy Prime Minister) through to Courtney Barton, Candice Faranda and Holly Browne who are now living and working overseas and recently participated in the WorldSkills International Youth Forum in Vienna. In recognition of their achievements one year ago here are a few of their stories post-Japan. I am sure you will all agree that they continue to be an inspiration to all Australians.
A Word From Dave O’Donnell Team Leader Skillaroos Japan
Normally this is a question Team Leaders are asking when they are waiting by the bus - and the head count has revealed we are two team members short! I read the stories of where a number of the team are now, and I found myself smiling as In truth there are two reasons why I am always interested in finding out about the lives of our former international competitors. Team Leaders invariably form a strong bond with their teams. We guide, nag, encourage, reprimand and sometimes just hold the hands of our charges; and as much as possible we ride with them through the highs and lows of first the preparation, and then the intensity of the international competition. It is a buzz to see them again, and I always enjoy hearing how they are getting along in the world. The second reason is more to do with both the quality of the young people who represent Australia and the quality of mentors and support people who volunteer their assistance. The invariable result is that the WorldSkills experience has spawned a burst of personal and professional growth with huge benefits for our young champions, and I never tire of reading of their successes.
|
