Dear WorldSkills Supporter, We would like to welcome you to the first edition of the WSA Supporter Newsletter for 2011. Over the coming months, we will be keeping you abreast of the progress of Team Australia 2011 competitors as they prepare and train for the 41st WorldSkills International Competition. The Skillaroos have been following a rigorous training plan iIn the lead up to the International Competition, October 2011 Their training for London commenced in November last year and will continue until they board their International flight later this year. This not only includes training for their particular category of expertise, but will also include personal fitness and how to cope with the pressures leading up to and taking part in the International Competition. Team Leaders 2011
The 2011 Team Australia Skillaroos will be guided by Dave O’Donnell and Rachael Wallace, both of whom have been “mum and dad” for the Australian team members for a number of years. Rachael is herself as past competitor representing her country in 1991 at Amsterdam. Dave is a psychologist who has been an international competitor team leader since 1981.
Team Australia Skillaroos 2011
Team Australia Skillaroos were announced at the Australia Training Awards in October 2010 and comprise the follow competitors:
International Competition Experts 2011
In the lead up to the International Competition, each competitor works closely with their respective International Competition Expert. Experts and competitors work together to formulate a training plan to suite each competitors requirements to which the competitors works in the months leading up to the competition. Category experts also attend the International Competition acting in the capacity of judges. Category Experts for the 2011 International Competition are:
Training Updates
Welding – Guy Brooks The US Open Welding Competition is coordinated by the American Welding Society and was held at the Atlanta Convention centre from November 2-4, 2010. Six American Competitors were vying for the final 3 places available at the final selection that will determine the team going to the WorldSkills Competition (WSC) in London, October 2011. Australian Competitors have been attending the US Open Welding Competition since 2000. This is an excellent preparation for the International Competition as it is structured in the same format and the duration is a little over 22 hours. This year Guy Brooks of K&R Fabrications was put to the test over the 4-days of competition and has come away with invaluable experience which will assist him during his preparation for WorldSkills London 2011. Australia’s Construction Metal Work representative at the WSC, Michael Ashton (also of K&R Fabrications), was in Atlanta as an observer. Michael was unable to participate in the Competition but was able to gain an understanding of the scope of the skill competition and procedures. Bricklaying – Lester Tibbles Team Australia Bricklaying Skillaroo Lester Tibbles recently competed in Denmark at the inaugural Danish WorldSkills National Competition in Odense, Funen. The competition ran from the 27th-29th of January, and hosted 200 of Denmark’s best young skills and tradespeople in 36 skill categories. According to his Expert, Troy Everett “ Lester did so well, I’m very proud of him, he completed the project with two hours to spare despite it being a difficult task.” Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy & Floristry Following the Danish National Competition, Lester joined three of his WorldSkills Australia team mates Alexis Scott (Ladies’/ Men’s Hairdressing), Alex Odgers (Beauty Therapy) and Tamika Mackrell (Floristry) at the 41st WorldSkills French National Finals in February as part of their training for the 2011 WorldSkills International Competition, London. The three day competition will see 750 French tradesmen and women competing for Gold as well as a place in the French International Team. The event will be held in Paris at the Parc des Expositions Porte de Versailles and will showcase 48 skills and trades.
Team Australia Supporters Tour
"The encouragement that we received from the Australian supporters was unbelievable. From the cheers at the Opening Ceremony when we marched in behind the Australian flag to the countdown at the end of our competition, it felt as if we had an extra person lending a hand throughout the four days of competition” – 2007 Team Australia Skillaroos. Do you want to be a part of a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience? Do you want to witness Australia’s best trade and skill technicians pit their skills against the rest of the world? What better way to follow the 2011 Skillaroos than as part of the Team Australia Supporters Tour. WorldSkills Australia is currently compiling a package that will include return economy airfares, accommodation in London plus access to the competition venues as well as the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. If you are interested in being a part of the 2011 Team Australia Supporters Tour please register your interest via mhardy@worldskills.org.au by 18 February 2011, stating your name and contact details.
Team Australia Skillaroos Event Timetable 2011
July 2011 - Global Skills Challenge September 2011 - Team Australia Skillaroos Farewell October 2011 - WorldSkills International Competition
National Carpenters Day
WorldSkills Australia is proud to support National Carpenters Day on 8th April 2011. Following the success of the event in 2010, the third annual National Carpenters Day promises to reach an even wider audience with new activities, national events, sponsors, partners and participants. Often the unsung heroes of Australia’s past and present, carpenters add value to our economy and community at many levels. National Carpenters Day has been created to recognise the role of carpenters, their skills and the part they play in building a more sustainable environment by using carbon-storing wood, which has low embodied energy and helps tackle climate change. Building up to the day will be nominations for the Carpenter of the Year and Apprentice Carpenter of the Year. Workmates, friends, family members and even carpenters themselves can enter right now on the website www.carpentersday.com.au. With a total prize pool of $60,000, which includes a $20,000 Jet-ski, package from Lockwood/Assa Abloy there is plenty on offer for everyone involved. Australia-wide, the highlights of the day will be a series of free BBQ’s at participating suppliers’ premises and TAFEs. BBQ’s will offer free snags, drinks and instant prizes, helping celebrate the role of carpenters and building camaraderie and relationships. You can find the BBQ locations at www.carpentersday.com.au. An impressive list of participants is lined up to support the day, including timber merchants, builders, TAFEs, industry bodies, trade publications and more. Support packs and free promotional materials are available to BBQ hosts. If you’re interested in getting involved, please call 1300 414 044 or admin@carpentersday.com.au.
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