Luke Davies

Trade - Manufacturing Team Challenge (MTC)
Competiton Year - 2009
Region - Sydney West
Employer - Eddie Dobbin & Sons Engineering

How did you get into the industry?
I have always liked making things and in Year 12, I enjoyed the process of making a spare wheel and jerry can holder made of metal. I also saw an article featuring my now current boss in a 4 wheel drive magazine (4WD Monthly) and was interested to read about the modifications he made to his 4WD - I got in contact with him and am now doing my apprenticeship with Eddie Dobbin and Sons Engineering.

Would you recommend a trade/skill based career to others?
Definitely, it is a very rewarding and satisfying career path, if you work at always improving your skills you can be very successful.

How has WorldSkills Australia helped you so far personally & professionally?
WorldSkills Australia has helped me to believe in myself and my capabilities. On a professional level, I feel my skills have greatly improved.

Would you recommend others participate in the WorldSkills Competitions?
I think anyone who is eligible should give the competitions a go, no matter the result; you leave your WorldSkills experience a well developed person.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy watching a project from beginning to end, seeing the finished product of something I have made is very rewarding.

What do you hope to achieve in both short and long terms of your career?
In the short term, I am looking forward to learning as much as I can in the lead up to the International Competition, to fine tune my skills and be happy knowing I have prepared.

Expert - Brent Butler

Brent is a toolmaker at the Research School of Earth Sciences at the Australian National University. Brent won gold at the 2005 International Competition in Helsinki in the Manufacturing Team Challenge category. He was also Chief Judge at the 2008 National Competition in the CAM category. As Expert of MTC, Brent's aim is to help the three MTC competitors reach their full potential. Brent's advice to the MTC Competitors is to "work hard during your preparation and training as it's amazing how quick the competition comes around". View 2005 Competitor Profile