Matthew Sawers

• Age: 23 years

Competitor in Skill: Manufacturing Team Challenge
Country: Australia

How did you get interested in your skill?
I have always had an interest in engineering, so my intention on leaving school was to pursue employment in this field. I completed a pre-apprenticeship course at TAFE whilst seeking employment. It didn’t take long to secure an apprenticeship in the fitting and turning trade and I have been with the company ever since.

Where did you do your training for your skill?
TAFE NSW Illawarra Institute, Wollongong Campus

How did you first find out about your Member organization and its programs?
I was encouraged to enter the WorldSkills Australia Regional Competition at Wollongong Campus by Peter Buttenshaw, my TAFE Teacher, who has given me the knowledge and skills to achieve high results in my trade and believed that I was ready to showcase my talent in a competitive environment.

Who influenced you to pursue your skill as a career?
I was self-motivated

Describe your most memorable moment so far with WorldSkills?
Winning gold in the WorldSkills Australia National Competition

Describe what your experience has been since your involvement with WorldSkills
My experience with WorldSkills has been amazing, training alongside other WorldSkills competitiors, making new friends, expanding my knowledge and skills.

Did participating in the skills competitions and training for WorldSkills help you progress in your skill? Please describe.
WorldSkills Australia has boosted my confidence, given me better communications skills, and taught me self-determination and focus. Professionally, it has given me the opportunity to advance in this industry, opened many doors in the workforce and given me a career direction.

What do you currently do? Where do you work?
I recently made the decision to leave my full time position at CSS Engineering to focus my entire attention on training for the upcoming WorldSkills Compeition in Brazil.

What are your future career aspirations?
In the short term, I will continue to expand my knowledge and strive for excellence in my workplace and with WorldSkills Australia. My long term goals are to be an acclaimed professional in this trade, to become a vocational education teacher in fitting and machining, and to continue to be involved with WorldSkills Australia, ultimately advancing to a judging, training or mentoring position.