Competition champions skills excellence

Apprentices, trainees and students have competed in skills-based competitions for their chance to represent The Gordon at the National WorldSkills championships in Melbourne next year.

Joe Ormeno, CEO of The Gordon said, “At The Gordon, we are in the business of developing successful learners. We not only build skills, we build careers which in turn benefits individuals, their families and society more broadly.”

Regional WorldSkills competitions across nursing, floristry, carpentry, plumbing, landscaping, bricklaying, cookery and food and beverage has seen 23 students medal. These students were recognised at a special presentation ceremony at The Gordon.

“The competitions we are celebrating provide the opportunity to promote skills, showcase skills standards, demonstrate excellence in teaching and learning, and promote the value of ongoing investment in skills development.” 

“Measuring competitors’ skills and knowledge against others in their field provides an amazing opportunity for students to develop greater confidence in their skills, foster life-long partnerships and build industry networks,” continued Mr Ormeno.

Industry experts design the individual events, with skills experts assessing participant’s knowledge, practical competence and employability skills against strict criterion. 

Cailen McLean, who won gold at the Geelong Regional WorldSkills floristry compeition said, “WorldSkills definitely helped me to gain more confidence within the industry. It showed me that I am a lot more capable than I thought, allowing me to challenge and extend my creativity while also refining my technical skills.”

Championing skills excellence across vocational, technological and service-oriented careers, the competition provides a unique opportunity for students to represent their region, state and ultimately their country, through their chosen profession.

“We believe that WorldSkills is an important part of the skills ecosystem, providing a benchmark for skills and ultimately looking to drive skills excellence across all skills and industries.”  

"2022 is our current regional year, moving to the National Championships being held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in August 2023, and onto the international competition in Lyon (France) in September 2024.”

“Attending and participating at the 2023 National Championships and Skills Show in Melbourne will provide a wonderful opportunity for competitors to showcase and benchmark their skills and knowledge against the best of the best of their chosen skill category.” 

As The Gordon looks forward to sending its largest contingency of students to compete in the 2023 National WorldSkills competition, eligible medallists from The Gordon will be invited to submit an expression of interest to be selected as a Team Victoria member and compete against Australia’s best. 

The 2023 National Championships is Australia’s largest vocational education and excellence competition, and is expected to attract thousands of competitors from across the country.