Karl Davies

• Age: 22 years

Competitor in Skill: Automobile Technology
Country: Australia

How did you get interested in your skill?
I was always playing around with cars and stuff as a young boy in the shed with my dad. As I grew up, I decided to look into what career opportunities were available in the auto industry.

Where did you do your training for your skill?
I completed a VETis course in Automotive at secondary school and my Apprenticeship at Federation University.

How did you first find out about your Member organization and its programs?
My TAFE teacher, Grant Petch first introduced me to WorldSkills Australia. I did my first regional competition in 2011 and came in fourth place. I worked on my skills until the next round of regional competitions in 2013 and ended up getting first place.

Who influenced you to pursue your skill as a career?
My Dad and Pop were the main reason I choose to pursue a career in Automotive

Describe your most memorable moment so far with WorldSkills?
Winning the regionals and representing my community on a national level

Describe what your experience has been since your involvement with WorldSkills
My experience in Worldskills would be the contacts that I have made and the places I have been to train and never thought I would get the opportunity to visit

 Did participating in the skills competitions and training for WorldSkills help you progress in your skill? Please describe.
WorldSkills Australia has definitely made me a better mechanic. I have grown from it – having the networks and connections has been really helpful, and the opportunity to train has improved my technical skills. I wouldn’t be who I am today without the experience.

hat do you currently do? Where do you work?
Mechanic at Spanners and Sparks Automotive in Ballarat, Victoria.

What are your future career aspirations?
I would like to own my own business someday and perhaps go back to university and become a teacher. I enjoy the challenge of helping young people and showing them that they have better skills than they think.