Nicholas Roman
- Age: 22 years
Competitor in Skill: Joinery
Country: Australia
How did you get interested in your skill?
I first got involved in the joinery industry through school work placement. I always loved working with my hands and making things, so I took woodwork up as a subject at school and from this led to going out into the workplace for one week for work placement. They offered me an apprenticeship so I took it.
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 first heard of WorldSkills Australia though school, where I entered the WorldSkills Australia Regional Competition in VETiS Construction.
Who influenced you to pursue your skill as a career?
I would have to say school influenced me as I did wood work as a subject and really enjoyed working with my hands.
What is your experience in participating with your Member organization?
So far I have had an awesome experience. I have met so many new people and made some great friends. It has given me a new look on my trade and shown me an insight as to what other trades and industries are like.
Describe your most memorable moment so far with WorldSkills?
I would have to say just meeting so many new and interesting people from all over Australia and meeting new people within the wider International community.
Describe what your experience has been since your involvement with WorldSkills
Getting to learn new skills with my trade, becoming faster and pay more attention to detailed within my daily job and becoming more confident with who I am.
Did participating in the skills competitions and training for WorldSkills help you progress in your skill? Please describe.
WorldSkills Australia has given me more confidence with what I do and how I talk to people. Being able to cope with more pressure and knowing if I put my mind to something I can achieve it. It has given me a better understanding of my trade. I can cope under pressure situations and can keep a calm head when things seem to be getting a little tense.
What do you currently do? Where do you work?
Currently I am a fully qualified Detailed Joiner and Shopfitter. I work for a company called Evalock, in which we produce timber windows and doors.
What are your future career aspirations?
To advance and perfect some of the skills I do on a daily basis. I would like to make advanced projects and see myself make some unique furniture. Long term, I would like to succeed in my current trade and possibly have some job opportunities overseas down the track. I would also like to get into house renovations and building new houses.