TAFE NSW Sign and Graphics students compete to become Skillaroos at WorldSkills National Championships

TAFE NSW Sign and Graphics students Caitlin Wilson and Tom Minchew have been selected as two of the best young signwriters in the country, and will compete for a chance to represent Australia in the WorldSkills National Championships next week. The championships take place in Melbourne from 17-19 August 2023.

TAFE NSW Mount Druitt student Caitlin Wilson said her anticipation was building after months of mentorship by TAFE NSW teachers. “I’m looking forward to competing nationally and networking with the best of the best, both my competitors and industry leaders. I’m excited about the challenge and the possibility of competing internationally in France, and I can’t wait to see the high level of talent I’m competing against. “I’ve been practising my design and wrapping skills as much as I can so that I’m prepared for anything that might get thrown at me on the day, and at TAFE, we’ve been focused on honing our lightbox skills, so I’m also keen to put that to the test against my peers,” says Wilson.

Tom Minchew from TAFE NSW Ultimo admits he is a little nervous, but with the mentorship of his employer and his TAFE NSW teachers, he is ready to “give it a red-hot go”. “I’m used to working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment because my work specialises in event-based signage for some big clients. I have to be versatile and adaptable every day at work so that we can deliver high-impact results in short timeframes to meet the client’s needs, so even though the tasks in the WorldSkills competition might be challenging, I’m confident that I can focus and bring my best,” says Minchew. “I’m stoked that I came out on top in the regional WorldSkills competition, because it means I’m doing well in my creative, analytical and practical skills, just like working in signage. It just goes to show all my practice designing, printing and installing at TAFE has set me up for success in the workplace,” concludes Minchew.

TAFE NSW Executive Director Education and Skills, Dr Raf Marcellino says the two extremely skilful students have earned the right to compete to represent Australia after upstaging some of the best talent at their regional WorldSkills competitions in Sydney and Western Sydney. “The ultimate goal for Caitlin and Tom will be to earn a place on the Skillaroos team representing Australia at the WorldSkills Competition in France next year," Marcellino concludes.