Daniel Picariello
- Age: 22 years
Competitor in Skill: Wall and Floor Tiling
Country: Australia
How did you get interested in your skill?
My dad has worked as a tiler for the past 25 year and has been running a successful tiling business with his partner for about 15 years. I’ve been going to work with him on weekends ever since I was young. However, I properly got into the industry in 2011 when I officially began my apprenticeship working for my dad’s business.
Where did you do your training for your skill?
TAFE SA, Tonsley Campus
How did you first find out about your Member organization and its programs?
I first got involved in WorldSkills Australia through my trade school. My entire class at the time were asked by our teacher to compete in the regional competition, and I went on to have success in winning gold.
Who influenced you to pursue your skill as a career?
My dad.
What is your experience in participating with your Member organization?
My experience includes winning a gold medal at the WorldSkills Australia Regional Competition in Adelaide, South Australia, a silver medal at the WorldSkills Australia National Competition in Perth, Western Australia, and a silver medal at the WorldSkills Oceania Competition in Hamilton, New Zealand.
Describe your most memorable moment so far with WorldSkills?
My most memorable moment from WorldSkills would have to be my experience at the national competition in Perth. Going in to the competition, I was under-prepared compared to most of my competitors and lagged behind at the end of the first two days. But after some wise words, hard work and determination I managed to come out with a silver medal – much to many people’s surprise, even myself.
Describe what your experience has been since your involvement with WorldSkills
I've quite enjoyed my experiences so far with WorldSkills. The skills and knowledge I have gained thus far is astonishing. Yes, there is a lot of hard work involved in the training and preparing for competitions, but in the end to see how far I have come, I know it is all worth it. Also sharing this wonderful experience and meeting all these new people along the way is an added bonus.
Did participating in the skills competitions and training for WorldSkills help you progress in your skill? Please describe.
I think the whole experience has helped me gain a lot of confidence in myself and helped me discover that I am actually good at something. Growing up, I have never really been to person to win much, so it means a lot to me to achieve what I have. Professionally, it helped my gain recognition in my trade locally. People hear about my achievements and respect that I am good at what I do for someone so young. To have older generations of tilers acknowledge how successful you've been is a great feeling.
What do you currently do? Where do you work?
Currently I am working for my dad’s business subcontracting to him as a tiler.
What are your future career aspirations?
I want complete my small business course in order to fully complete my qualifications, get my tilers licence and have a well-paid and highly recognised job.