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Joseph Pauley

  • Age: 22 years

Competitor in Skill: Industrial Mechanics Millwright
Country: Australia

How did you get interested in your skill?
In Year 11, I chose to do a subject called Structured Workplace Learning. Part of the course was to do one day per week work experience at a local business. I decided that I wanted to become a boilermaker, so I did my first semester work experience at a company that specialised in stainless steel fabrication.

Where did you do your training for your skill?
Polytechnic West, Midland Campus

How did you first find out about your Member organization and its programs?
I first heard about WorldSkills Australia when I started my apprenticeship through one of the people I worked with, who came in third place in a previous WorldSkills Australia Regional Competition.

Who influenced you to pursue your skill as a career?
One of my elder brothers influenced me to pursue my skill as a career.


Describe your most memorable moment so far with WorldSkills?
My most memorable moment would have to be when I won a silver medal in the national competition.

Describe what your experience has been since your involvement with WorldSkills
My experience has been good. It’s great to get to travel for free.

Did participating in the skills competitions and training for WorldSkills help you progress in your skill? Please describe.
Being involved in WorldSkills Australia has given me a lot more confidence in myself and the skills that I have, it has helped me to learn how to perform under pressure. I have had to learn new skills and work on existing skills, which I wouldn't have necessarily have had to concentrate on in my current workplace.

What do you currently do? Where do you work?
I am currently employed at Albany engineering, but have moved to New South Wales to train for the upcoming competition.

What are your future career aspirations?
I plan to continue to learn all I can in my current job and stay there for as long as I can. My long term goal would be to find a well-paid job that I enjoy that is close to home.