Dennis Cornelissen
- Age: 20 years
Competitor in Skill: Cabinetmaking
Country: Netherlands
How did you get interested in your skill?
My interest for my skill started at school through making objects and doing small projects.
When I was 15, I knew I wanted to be a carpenter so as soon as I got the chance, I chose an education in that direction.
Where did you do your training for your skill?
My training consists of practising as much as I can, both at work and at home. I do projects like cabinetmaking and making tables etc.
How did you first find out about your Member organization and its programs?
School brought me into contact with the organization. I was invited to a national woodworking contest and I became National Champion in 2014.
Who influenced you to pursue your skill as a career?
I was really motivated to be as good as I could be at what I do. School has always motivated me and now that I am working at 'De Vries Makkum' I find that the board is behind me and I am very proud that all the people around me are very supportive.
What is your experience in participating with your Member organization?
I enjoy to make beautiful wooden furniture and objects and it’s very nice to show skills and share information with people that are interested.
So far I have enjoyed my experiences in new situations and foreign countries and I am looking forward to a new adventure!
Describe your most memorable moment so far with WorldSkills?
My most memorable moment with Wordskills so far (6 months before take-off) was meeting all the members of team Holland.
Describe what your experience has been since your involvement with WorldSkills
My experience with Wordskills is communication and the great feeling of being a member of an international organisation.
Did participating in the skills competitions and training for Worldskills help you progress in your skill? Please describe.
Participating in the Skills- competitions ( NK and WK) and training for Worldskills means progress in my skills because it means making the project with a diversity of skills. I need to be good at everything that has to do with my line of work. Taking part in this competion has made me an allround carpenter. I also have great experiences with the organisation and the other members. Cooperating with others makes you better at what you do as an individual and more independent in your skills.
What do you currently do? Where do you work?
I work at 'de Vries Makkum', we build the most exclusive Feadship yachts at our company. My job is to help make the interiors for the yachts.
What are your future career aspirations?
I hope to continue my job at the great shipyard from de Vries-Makkum and maybe in a few years time, there will be a place for me at the company-school. I would like to become a teacher so I can teach the craft to younger people. I think it's a great profession and I would be very happy to pass on the skill.