Gavin Press

Trade - Electrical Installations
Competiton Year - 2009
Region - Macquarie
Employer - AJS Electrical

How did you get into the industry?
When considering my options after completing high school, I sought information on the trade from friends already in the electrical industry, the trade and skills in this position really appealed to me and I haven't looked back since.

Would you recommend a trade/skill based career to others?
I definitely would recommend a trade to others. It's surprising how quickly you pick up and learn things as an apprentice, things that you thought that you'd never be able to do.

How has WorldSkills Australia helped you so far personally & professionally?
WSA has given me knowledge in numerous different areas of my trade that I wouldn't normally have been exposed to in my day-to-day job. My confidence and skills from the competitions has helped me finish my apprenticeship early, which has resulted in me starting to run jobs already. This is something I thought would be years away but WSA has accelerated this. WorldSkills has also allowed me to meet people from all over the world and here in Australia who have helped me further my career now and hopefully further it in the future.

Would you recommend others participate in the WorldSkills Competitions?
Yes, the skills that you obtain from competing in competition can only help you. The confidence and people you meet really impact on the way you do things in the workplace.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy the variety of my job as there aren't many days that are the same. I like how new technology and different appliances are constantly coming onto the market, which gives me the opportunity to learn how to install and use them.

What do you hope to achieve in both short and long terms of your career?
In the short term I hope to gain as much experience as I can and to do well at the International Competition in Canada. My long term goal is to combine travel and work.

Expert - John Rudge

John is employed by OMYA Australia as Automation Technician, and experienced first hand international success at the 2007 International Competition in Japan - winning a silver medal in Electrical Installations. John says being involved as International Expert gives him great satisfaction in being able to help the Australian Champion to International success. His main aim is to assist Gavin to reach his greatest potential in the International Competition and also his career. His advice to all Skillaroos, "You need to sit down and ask yourself what you really want out of the next 12 months"? View 2007 Competitor Profile