Automotive students in top gear at WorldSkills

Temperature gauges rose at Box Hill Institute, as Cert II Automotive Servicing Technology students battled it out in a regional WorldSkills competition.

Dubbed “the Olympics for tradies”, every two years over 500 regional WorldSkills contests occur across Australia, testing the skills and knowledge of more than 4,000 Vocational Education and Training (VET) students.  

In this contest, students were tested on foundational skills like basic servicing, diagnosis and repairs. They raced against the clock to complete all tasks efficiently and safely, while following a clear set of work instructions.

A panel of automotive experts judged each task using a set of industry-backed assessment criteria. This ensures students learn the best practices and are prepared for future careers in the automotive industry.

Box Hill Institute trainer, Steven Heristanidis, assesses Henry Hall’s work in the WorldSkills competition Photo credit: Chris Franklin, Box Hill Institute

To gear up for the competition, automotive trainers dedicated four Saturdays to provide extra tuition for students so they could hone their skills for the big competition.

Box Hill Institute’s Automotive Coordinator, Mark Egan, says competitions like WorldSkills set students up for future success.

Student, Archie Snelling tests his know-how at the WorldSkills competition under the watchful eye of trainer, Leslie Cetoupe Photo credit: Chris Franklin, Box Hill Institute.

“The automotive industry is advancing rapidly so these students will have to be lifelong learners, willing to have a go and adapt their skills to new technologies. WorldSkills helps build their confidence and problem-solving skills under pressure,” said Mr Egan.

Year 11 student from Rossbourne School, Archie Snelling, 17, is embracing the challenge of WorldSkills to build his knowledge.

“I want to be a mechanic and enjoy working on all types of cars. So far, I’m going well today and all the extra training we had leading up to the competition has really helped,” said Archie.

Despite living with the challenges of partial deafness, autism and ADHD, his parents, Lisa and Mark Snelling, have noticed Archie grow in confidence through his experience at TAFE.

“Since Archie started at TAFE we’ve noticed a real difference. He’s willing to talk to people, wears his uniform with pride and feels confident and walks a little taller,” said Mrs Snelling.

All competitors receive a certificate from WorldSkills and a small tool kit to acknowledge their participation. Finalists will be announced by WorldSkills later this year, with the top three students representing the eastern Melbourne region at the Victorian WorldSkills competition.