The 47th WorldSkills International Championships are scheduled to be held in Lyon, France in September 2024. Skilled young individuals from across the globe will come together to participate in a variety of Vocational and Training (VET) challenges.
Vying for victory in France are Australia’s Skillaroos, a team consisting of 33 young Australians including eight talented MEGT apprentices and trainees who have recently completed or are in the process of finishing their apprenticeships.
Meet the MEGT Skillaroos
Sebastian Battista – Certificate III in Plumbing
Sebastian Battista, a fourth-year Certificate III in Plumbing apprentice, grew up watching his father run a successful plumbing business, sparking his own passion for the trade. With his father as a mentor, Sebastian has excelled in competitions like WorldSkills and is now preparing for the competition in Lyon with a focus on training and support. "From day one, MEGT has provided me with the resources needed to succeed in my apprenticeship. I’m proud to represent WorldSkills Australia as a Skillaroo, My employer, Battista Plumbing and Gasfitting Pty Ltd, Tafe Gippsland and MEGT."
Lewis Italiano - Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology
Lewis Italiano is a cabinetmaker apprentice from Harvey, Western Australia, who broke tradition by opting for woodworking over dairy farming. Currently completing his Certificate III in Cabinet Making and Timber Technology, Lewis excels in his craft and is dedicated to mastering his skills through programs like WorldSkills.
Antoinette Jackson – Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
Antoinette Jackson transitioned from psychology to painting and decorating after discovering her true passion for the craft during a transformative painting experience back in 2020. Through dedication and mentorship from seasoned experts, she rose to the top of her field through the WorldSkills Australia program. "Being able to represent Australia in a trade, as a female especially is a surreal moment. And having the support of MEGT who made the apprenticeship sign-up so easy, just a phone call away takes a lot of stress off the job."
Abbey Kuhnell – Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
Abbey Kuhnell is a talented young chef with a passion for cooking that has been nurtured from a young age. She completed her Certificate III in Commercial Cookery apprenticeship while in year 12 and has honed her skills working at The Star Gold Coast. She is not afraid to try new things and sees failures as learning opportunities to improve her cooking.
Dylan Armstrong – Certificate IV in Information Technology Networking
Dylan Armstrong is a young IT professional with a passion for web development, currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Swinburne University after completing his Certificate IV in Information Technology Networking in 2021. His skills and determination have been tested already in WorldSkills competitions, winning gold at both Regional and National levels.
Jacob Dixon – Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling
Jacob Dixon is a skilled tiler who found his passion for the trade at a TAFE Try a Trade expo. Completing his Certificate III in Wall and Floor tiling in February of 2024, his dedication to learning techniques and theory has resulted in numerous achievements, including winning gold at the 2023 WorldSkills Nationals.
Jasmine Cecchini - Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy
Jasmine Cecchini is a talented beauty therapist who started her journey at 19 in her mother's salon, gaining valuable experience and knowledge in the field. By the age of 21, she has already completed her Certificate IV in Beauty therapy apprenticeship, won gold at the WorldSkills Australia Nationals, and continues to refine her techniques through practical application.
Ross Colquhoun – Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Ross Colquhoun, driven by a desire to honour his late father, found his passion for automotive technology and is now representing Australia at Lyon 2024. Starting with a TAFE course that sparked his interest, Ross completed a full-time Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology apprenticeship in February 2024 and competed in WorldSkills to push his limits and expand his knowledge of the industry.
We wish the Skillaroos the very best of luck.
