The Gordon goes for GOLD!

The Gordon will aim for gold with the launch of the Geelong WorldSkills 2022 regional competition.

The skill-based competition is held in 34 regions across Australia and showcases more than 500 vocational education and training events while celebrating skills excellence. 

Designed to test competitors’ skills and knowledge against other apprentices, trainees and students, the event profiles vocational skills while fostering communication, team work, organisation and leadership skills. 

Matthew Ellison, who completed a Certificate III in Electrotechnology at The Gordon, is a recent regional winner, “It was a great honour to be given the chance to represent both The Gordon and myself at WorldSkills, and one that I will be forever grateful for.”

More than 50 trades and skills from seven skill clusters are represented at WorldSkills competitions, including construction and building technology, creative arts and fashion, information and communications technology, manufacturing and engineering technology, social and person services, transport and logistics and VETiS competitions.

Industry experts design the individual events, with skills experts assessing participant’s knowledge, practical competence and employability skills against a strict criteria. Susan Spozetta, Director of Education at The Gordon, created the assessment for nursing, the first time the category has been included in the event since its inception in 1981. 

“It is important to have nursing represented at WorldSkills. The health sector continues to grow at a rapid rate with the industry needing an increased number of qualified personnel to facilitate the growth. Introducing more health centric skills competitions that align with tertiary accreditations will aid in increasing an interest in a health related discipline in our youth while growing the workforce”, said Ms Spozetta.

Those who succeed at a regional level can compete at the National Championships. Melbourne will host the 2023 competition and as Australia’s largest vocational education and excellence competition, it is expected to attract thousands of competitors from across the country.

Jana Perera Executive Director of Commercial Business at The Gordon said, “WorldSkills Australia competition activity begins at a grass root level. It provides a unique opportunity for students to represent their region, state and ultimately their country through their chosen profession. 

“The Gordon has a long and proud involvement with WorldSkills, with students experiencing success at both national and international events in the 40 years the TAFE has been represented.” Ms Perera continued, stating that encouraging students to participate promotes and builds a skills culture and raises the profile and recognition of skilled people.

“The calibre of The Gordon’s teaching staff is also showcased at these events, with a number of highly skilled teachers having taken on roles as judges both nationally and internationally”, said Ms Perera. 

A recent survey by WorldSkills Australia revealed that 84 per cent of participants improved their technical skills through their involvement in the event, while 91 percent stated their experience helped their career.

The Geelong WorldSkills regional competition was launched at The Gordon City Campus this week with competitions commencing later in the month.