Four TAFE NSW students from the Mid North Coast will compete to be named Australia’s best trainees in the nation’s largest vocational skills competition next month.

TAFE NSW Port Macquarie Electrotechnology student Kyle Polidano is among more than 500 vocational students who will compete in Melbourne over three days with their eye on a coveted gold medal and a chance to represent Australia on the world stage in France next year. 

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. 

A fierce 18 hours of competition will test Kyle’s expertise in electrical installation planning and design, testing and maintenance, and fault finding and repairs.

Kyle, 18, said his anticipation was building after months of mentorship by TAFE NSW teachers and training to master electrotechnology components and hand tools.

“The regional competition was an eye-opening experience, I did well but only just finished with not much time to spare. Going into the National competition, I’ve been focusing on workmanship, but also how I can better manage my time,” said Kyle.

“My TAFE NSW teachers and mentors have been really supportive, helping me to practice different components of the trade and sharing insights to reach a professional standard. I have a board set up at home to practice past competition challenges, I’ve been doing at least one a week.” 

“There will be a lot of pressure and great talent. But I’ve been lucky to have great guidance - it’s just a matter of overcoming the pressure and nerves now,” says Kyle.

TAFE NSW Executive Director Education and Skills North, Jason Darney, said “WorldSkills is Australia's largest vocational education and excellence competition.

“Our incredibly talented Mid North Coast students have earned the right to compete to represent Australia after upstaging some of the best local talent at the regional WorldSkills competitions, held in 2022,” he said.

“The TAFE NSW finalists are representing some of the most in-demand trades, like electrotechnology and steel construction. I'm proud to say the Mid North Coast is home to these industries' future leaders.

“The ultimate goal for Kyle will be to win a gold medal, which will 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 learners with amazing, and potentially life-changing learning opportunities in an exciting, interactive, and engaging environment.  

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

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

Two students from TAFE NSW Port Macquarie and two students from TAFE NSW Kempsey will compete in the National WorldSkills Championships.

Media contact: Vanessa Lista | Communications Specialist | vanessa.lista3@tafensw.edu.au | 0450 442 109