Mihkel Kajanus

• Age: 17 years

Competitor in Skill: Landscape Gardening
Country: Estonia

How did you get interested in your skill?
This profession seemed interesting and as we have at home a lot of land, then I decided to learn skills which I can put to use also at home.

Where did you do your training for your skill?
I have trained my professional skills at Luua Forestry School and also at work practice and at home.

How did you first find out about your Member organization and its programs?
I have learned about it through my school.

Who influenced you to pursue your skill as a career?
My main influences have been my mother, my older sisters and my teachers.

What is your experience in participating with your Member organization?
I have participated in Estonian national skills competitions (Noor Meister) and I have also had opportunity to take part in competitions in Finland (Nordic countries) and work practice in Belgium.

Describe your most memorable moment so far with WorldSkills?
The most memorable moment so far has been when I found out that I will participate at WorldSkills competitions with my skill and I looked at some videos from previous competitions. Participating at WorldSkills has made it possible to practice my skills in Belgium.

Describe what your experience has been since your involvement with WorldSkills
I have had additional training experience when participating in competitions in Finland and doing work practice for 6 weeks in Belgium.

Did participating in the skills competitions and training for WorldSkills help you progress in your skill? Please describe.
As I have done a lot of additional training and learning for WorldSkills competitions I have gained more experience and practice than other first course students. Thanks to that I have become faster and more precise in my work and I have learned many useful things to work more efficiently. Work practice abroad has broaden my horizons.

What do you currently do? Where do you work?
I am first course student at Luua Forestry School and currently practicing for WorldSkills competition when I have time I also try to rest on my summer holidays.

What are your future career aspirations?
Gain professional experience both in Estonia and abroad and maybe in the future start my own business.