Mitchell Edwards

Trade - Detailed Joinery & Shopfitting
Competiton Year - 2009
Region - Hunter
Employer - Ivan John Mesaric

How did you get into the industry?
I started my apprenticeship in 2005 after completing and enjoying two weeks of work experience with my current employer, Ivan John Mesaric.

Would you recommend a trade/skill based career to others?
Yes, definitely, it's a great experience and has the potential to open doors for other opportunities.

How has WorldSkills Australia helped you so far personally & professionally?
The WSA competitions have assisted in developing and widening my range of skills to apply to my job, I also feel more confident in my trade.

Would you recommend others participate in the WorldSkills Competitions?
Yes, as I have really enjoyed the experiences and opportunities that have been given to me. I am pleased to be building on my skills to better myself and further my career.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
It is a good feeling to see a job well finished.

What do you hope to achieve in both short and long terms of your career?
In the short term I would like to finish my apprenticeship and in the long term I would like to become a teacher or ‘boss' in the joinery trade.

Expert - Steve Bulman

Steve runs his own business, Westside Joinery, in Melbourne. He has been a part of WorldSkills Australia since 1993, as a Designer, Judge and Chief Judge on both the Regional and National level. Steve aims to give Mitchell every chance of bringing home a medal. His advice to Mitchell and the Skillaroos is to treat this as an absolute opportunity of a lifetime, avoid thinking "could have, should have, would have" and know that you are carrying your family, your trainers, employers and the Nation's expectations on your shoulders and know that it's an honour to do so.