Vehicle Painter to Represent Australia in International Skill Olympics
15 October 2007
Stuart Aisbett with the WorldSkills gold medal which secured his place in international competition.
Kangan Batman TAFE apprentice, Stuart Aisbett, will soon test his skills against 18 of the world's best vehicle painters at the 39th WorldSkills International competition in Japan.
The twenty-two year old, who works at Alans Panels in Moe, will fly to Shuizuoka in November to compete over four days on a 22-hour project. This project will test Stuart's refinishing skills in vehicle preparation, application, colour matching, masking and design work, among many others.
'I was a little nervous about going to Japan, but with all the extra training and preparation I've done, I'm now pretty confident because I've really improved my skills,' said Stuart.
Stuart earnt his place as Australia's vehicle painting representative after winning Gold at the 2006 WorldSkills Australia competition.
Beginning his vehicle painting career by answering an ad in the local newspaper, Stuart has consistently won awards such as Kangan Batman TAFE's inaugural Sir Henry Royce Foundation Award for Excellence in Automotive and various outstanding achievement awards in vehicle painting.
Stuart has spent the last few months preparing and training with industry experts, and at Kangan Batman TAFE's newest training facility, the Automotive Centre of Excellence at Docklands.
'I've been training pretty heavily,' said Stuart. 'I've just spent a couple of days up at a mock competition in Newcastle, and I've been learning how to use water-based paints with suppliers.'
Thanks to the generous donations from 15 automotive organisations, Stuart is all set for the WorldSkills competition.
'I thank all the organisations who've donated equipment for the competition,' said Stuart. 'I'd also like to thank my family and friends for their support over the last few months.
Stuart also praised the supportive staff at the Automotive Centre of Excellence, and Alans Panels for their ongoing mentoring. Scheduled to complete his vehicle painting apprenticeship in February 2008, Stuart eventually plans to open up his own custom paint shop.
For more information on Kangan Batman TAFE's automotive refinishing courses, please visit www.aceauto.com.au or phone 13 4 ACE.
