Sharlene Kidd

• Age: 22 years

Competitor in Skill: Painting and Decorating
Country: Australia

How did you get interested in your skill?
I first got involved in painting and decorating in 2011. A friend suggested painting when I didn’t know what I wanted as a career. I tried a pre-apprenticeship course at MPA Skills, which I completed over 3 months full time. During this time, I developed a passion for painting and continued on to starting an apprenticeship.

Where did you do your training for your skill?
MPA Skills, Marylands Campus

How did you first find out about your Member organization and its programs?
I first found out about WorldSkills Australia and its programs after competing in the regional comp in 2013, and getting offered a spot to compete at the Nationals. Before that I didn't even know what WorldSkills Australia was.

Who influenced you to pursue your skill as a career?
I tried painting because I had friends would had an apprenticeship in painting and they really enjoyed it, so I applied for a pre-appenticeship and got accepted at MPA Skills. They then gave me an apprenticeship and helped me out.

Describe your most memorable moment so far with WorldSkills?
My most memorable moment was going over to New Zealand, as this was the first time I had ever been overseas. It was so fun and such an experience going through customs at the airport and that.

Describe what your experience has been since your involvement with WorldSkills
My experience with WorldSkills Australia has been adventurous, I had never been on a plane before my involvement with WorldSkills Australia. I have now been over east a few times and overseas once so far. I’ve have also made some amazing friends and learnt about other cultures and other trades/skills.

Did participating in the skills competitions and training for WorldSkills help you progress in your skill? Please describe.
I’ve matured a lot, and I feel a lot calmer in stressful situations. I feel that I can supervise workers at work with more confidence. Professionally, it has assisted me by opening up more work opportunities such as little wallpapering jobs and lots more work through my boss and through friends and family.

What do you currently do? Where do you work?
I currently work full time as a supervisor for GV Painting.

What are your future career aspirations?
I want to own my own business in decorative effects.