Michael James

• Age: 21 years

Competitor in Skill: Construction Metal Work
Country: Australia

How did you get interested in your skill?
I first started to be interested in welding and fabricating at school doing metal work as a major subject, and then doing a TVET (VET in schools) course in Year 10. I then became an apprentice welder at a local business in West Wyalong.

Where did you do your training for your skill?
TAFE NSW Riverina Institute, Leeton Campus

How did you first find out about your Member organization and its programs?
I was a apprentice at leeton campus and got into worldskills through that.

Who influenced you to pursue your skill as a career?
My self as it was a interest that I enjoyed

Describe your most memorable moment so far with WorldSkills?
Travelling to new Zealand and competing in Oceania competition would have been the best experience to see what I need to work on and up against other country’s to see there skill level against mine.

Describe what your experience has been since your involvement with WorldSkills
Have travelled to Perth in western Australia for nationals and have flown to Sydney to attend training camps many of times at Illawarra Tafe in Wollongong. Travelled to new Zealand to compete and have had many days meeting the team at various meetings and activities.

Did participating in the skills competitions and training for WorldSkills help you progress in your skill? Please describe.
I have become more comfortable doing jobs that have to be spot on and right. I have become a lot better and neater with my work, as WorldSkills Australia makes you do your best work possible to achieve a good outcome.

What do you currently do? Where do you work?
Currently a welder fabricator at CB engineering building made to order tool boxes, ute trays, trailers and many other jobs we undertake.

What are your future career aspirations?
I would like to earn as many tickets and achievements as I can to better my knowledge and career path opportunities. My goal is to work and buy a house or a farm and keep welding, maybe start my own business one day.