Jyothi Forman
- Age: 22 years
Competitor in Skill: Jewellery
Country: Australia
How did you get interested in your skill?
I have always loved creative forms such as painting, ceramics, woodwork and metalwork. In Year 10 at high school, we went on an excursion to the ANU in Canberra. We toured through the different courses on offer and when walking through the creative arts section I loved the look of silversmithing course. I discovered that jewellery manufacture was actually a trade and there was an apprenticeship to become a jeweller. So as soon as I finished school I searched for a jewellery apprenticeship and eventually got one.
Where did you do your training for your skill?
Melbourne Polytechnic, Fairfield Campus
How did you first find out about your Member organization and its programs?
I first became involved in WorldkSkills Australia through my training institute. My teachers, Andrew Rose and Stephen Keogh, were both past competitors and have been involved in WorldSkills Australia since competing.
Who influenced you to pursue your skill as a career?
Jewellery manufacture encapsulates all the areas I love such as, working in a practical, hands-on manner, being creative and it is a very rewarding process to hand-make beautiful pieces of jewellery.
What is your experience in participating with your Member organization?
My experience participating in WorldSkills Australia (WSA) has been fantastic! The national competition was very well organised and since becoming a Skillaroo I can really appreciate how much work goes into making our experience flow as smoothly as possible. WSA has made it possible for me to travel around Australia for training, compete in the Oceania competition and represent my country in Brazil, for which I am extremely grateful.
Describe your most memorable moment so far with WorldSkills?
My most memorable moment so far with WorldSkills is definitely winning gold at the National Competition. I did a lot of training and preparations in the lead up to the national competition. There was also a lot of people supporting me, whether it was with training, sponsorship or mentorship, I was so happy that I could make them all proud and that all my hard work had paid off.
Describe what your experience has been since your involvement with WorldSkills
Since being involved in WorldSkills I have been given so many unique opportunities. I have been mentored by some great jewellers, travelled to new areas, had media attention and have been able to compete internationally. I have made great contacts within my industry and friends from around the country.
Did participating in the skills competitions and training for WorldSkills help you progress in your skill? Please describe.
WorldSkills Australia has shown me how much I can achieve. With all the training and preparations I have done, not only have I improved my skills, I have become more confident at work, improved my time management, use metal more efficiently and I can handle pressure better.
What do you currently do? Where do you work?
I am currently employed as a fourth year apprentice jeweller at Georgies Fine Jewellery in Narooma, which is on the far south coast of New South Wales. I repair and manufacture jewellery.
What are your future career aspirations?
I would like to develop my skills further and branch out into other areas of the trade which I am not yet experienced in. I am enrolled to study Gemmology in 2016, so one goal is get that Diploma. Another goal is to become proficient in gemstone setting and engraving.