7 Students to Represent State at WorldSkills | Kangan Institute

Seven students from Kangan Institute will represent Team Victoria in a skills showdown against Australia’s most talented young people at the 2018 WorldSkills National Championships .

Held from June 2 to 4 in Sydney, the championships will showcase more than 50 skills and over 400 competitors aged below 25. Winners will have an opportunity to represent Australia at the 45th WorldSkills international competition in Kazan, Russia in 2019.

Kangan Institute competitors were selected for the nationals following regional competitions held last year. They include:

• Benjamin Schutz, of Hamilton – automotive electrical competitor
• Daniel Gavaghan, of Sunbury – heavy vehicle competitor
• Amber Gabelich, of Kalimna – vehicle painting competitor
• Isabella Di Giacomo, of St Albans – fashion technology competitor
• Quan Dinh, of Thornbury – retail baking (bread) competitor
• Samuel Dell'Albani, of Reservoir – IT network systems administration competitor
• Emily Nikolovska, of Craigieburn – VET in Schools food and beverage competitor

Kangan Institute CEO Trevor Schwenke believes the platform the WorldSkills competition provides is essential for promoting vocational skills and building careers.

“WorldSkills is a fantastic avenue for students to challenge themselves, build networks and access once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to showcase their abilities on a state, national and international stage,” he said.

“It’s also a platform for the next generation of leaders and innovators, with many young people launching international careers through various scholarships available for top contestants.

“Kangan Institute is proud to have seven students represent Team Victoria. They performed exceedingly well at the regional competitions and we wish them all the best at the national championships.”

Two Kangan Institute staff members will also be heading to Sydney as WorldSkill judges – Vikram Behal, chief judge for IT network systems administration and Sarah Jones, judge for graphic design technology. Ms. Jones will also be a skill manager for both the national championships and the international competition in Russia next year.

The WorldSkills National Championships is Australia’s biggest vocational education and excellence competition. This year’s winners will be announced at the closing ceremony on 5 June.