15 August 2023

TAFE NSW Newcastle cabinetmaking student Flynn Anastas will compete for a chance to represent Australia in the nation’s largest vocation skills competition in Melbourne this month.    

Flynn, who lives and works at Ourimbah on the Central Coast and studied at TAFE NSW Newcastle, is one of nine students trained at TAFE NSW Newcastle to compete in the national competition.     

WorldSkills hosts regional, national and international competitions which celebrate excellence and showcase vocational educational and training. 

Winners from the Nationals are in the running to be selected for the Australian Skillaroos team to compete against more than 75 countries.

The international championships have run every two years since 1950. 

More than 500 vocational students will compete over three days with their eye on the gold medal and an opportunity to represent Australia on the world stage in France next year.    

As part of the competition, Flynn will be tested on key workplace skills, demonstrating precision, problem-solving skills, teamwork and innovation in a highly competitive environment.    

Flynn, 22, said he was proud to be representing cabinetmaking on the National WorldSkills stage.   

“It’s very exciting and also daunting because I’ll be testing my skills in things like creating intricate joints, finishing-off and time management against talented competitors and all in front of spectators – but it’s fantastic to be able to test my skills at a national level,” he said.    

“Not a lot of people get an experience like this so I’m looking forward to doing my best for myself, my region and my boss, as well as my TAFE NSW teachers.”    

TAFE NSW cabinetmaking teacher Dylan Walsh said Flynn was well placed going into the competition.     

“At TAFE NSW, we are focused on getting students job-ready, and they start their practical training in real-world settings early on in the course. This can be confronting for some students, so building these skills early builds confident and competent cabinetmakers who can hit the ground running in a workplace,” he said.    

Director of Innovative Manufacturing, Robotics and Science, Andrew Reddan, said Hayden would test his skills against some of the best young cabinetmakers in the trade.    

“The TAFE NSW finalists are representing some of the most in-demand industries from health to hairdressing, and everything in between. I'm proud to say Northern NSW is home to these industries' future leaders,” he said.    

“The ultimate goal for Flynn will be to win a gold medal, which could earn him a place on the Australian Skillaroos team to compete with the world’s best at the 47th WorldSkills International Competition finals to be held in France in 2024.    

“WorldSkills competitions provide TAFE NSW students with amazing and potentially life-changing learning opportunities.    

“Participants will learn important life-long skills that will not only help them succeed individually but will help deliver a highly skilled workforce.”    

In the leadup to the competition, Flynn is feeling quietly confident, thanks to the training and support he has received from his TAFE NSW teachers and in the workplace.    

“Dylan Walsh and the TAFE team have been incredibly supportive and my employers Affordable Wardrobes have also been amazing in helping me to fine tune my skills in solid timber work, precision and all the other factors I’ll be tested on in Melbourne,” he said.

 The WorldSkills Australia 2023 National Championships will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 17-19 August.    

Nine students from TAFE NSW Newcastle are competing in the National WorldSkills Championships.