A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Albion Park engineer Brett McPaul travel to Abu Dhabi after winning gold for Construction Steelwork at the WorldSkills Australia national final.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After his success in Newcastle recently Mr McPaul has been selected in the 2017 Skillaroos team to represent Australia at the 44th WorldSkills International competition in October.
He previously won the Illawarra regional title and described the national competition held in the Hunter Valley as an amazing experience.
“I’ll never forget and the people who were involved will be friends for life,” he said.
“I can’t wait to get to Abu Dhabi to compete again and, hopefully, win gold”.
Mr McPaul has enjoyed learning a trade after making his decision in Year 10 to apply for an apprenticeship with group training organisation HVTC Illawarra.
He has been completing his Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication apprenticeship with host employer Buckley's Plant Maintenance at Unanderra.
“At Buckley’s I’ve had the chance to work with, and learn from, four highly skilled tradesmen who provided me with the opportunity to experience many different aspects of the fabrication and welding industry,” he said.
“I’m now looking to further develop my skills so that I can give back to my employers, as well as teach the next generation of metal fabrication apprentices the skills I have learnt from my mentors.”
HVTC chief executive Sharon Smith said Mr McPaul’s success was credit to his talent, dedication and enthusiasm.
And reflected the significant role business and industry partners play in ensuring young people in the Illawarra can secure quality employment and training.