9/5/06
Western Australia's top young tradespeople have taken out a record 13 medals at the National WorldSkills Competition in Melbourne.
More than 90 mentors, family and friends were in Melbourne to support TeamWA competitors over the weekend and at last night's medals presentation ceremony.
Western Australia's record medal tally included five gold, three silver, five bronze medals and two Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) medallists.
Education and Training Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich today congratulated the winners and all the members of the State team on their accomplishments over the three days of competition.
"Each of the 26 WorldSkills and eight VETiS competitors have demonstrated their exceptional skills and performed strongly against the nation's best," Ms Ravlich said.
"All our winners should be proud of their outstanding achievements, especially our five gold medallists, some of whom may represent Australia at an international level."
Automotive mechanic Dale McMullen, hairdresser Candice Faranda, and wall and floor tiler John Alebakis are now eligible to compete against more than 40 countries at the 39th International WorldSkills Competition in Japan next year.
Victory was especially sweet for John, who took out top honours after consecutive silver medals at the last two national competitions.
"It has been a lot of hard work but I am very excited and relieved to have finally won a gold medal at the nationals," he said.
The WorldSkills competition aims to challenge young people to achieve excellence in their chosen trade and to reach world-class standards.
"The success of TeamWA across a broad range of categories demonstrates the quality and diversity of vocation and training in WA," Ms Ravlich said.
The Carpenter Government is committed to providing a first class education and training to all Western Australians.
Gold Medal Winners -
Automotive Mechanics:
Dale McMullen, from Bateman was trained at Challenger TAFE and is employed by G-Mac Auto Centre.
Hairdressing:
Candice Faranda, from Bassendean was trained at Taylor Weir School of Hairdressing and is employed by Hairloom.
Heavy Vehicle Mechanics:
Gavin Zimmer, from Lesmurdie is currently training at Caterpillar Industries of WA and is employed by Westrac.
Retail Baking - Bread:
Simon Goldsborough, from Willetton was trained at Swan TAFE and is employed by Mias Bakery.
Wall and Floor Tiling:
John Alebakis, from Stirling, was trained at Swan TAFE and is self-employed.
Silver Medal Winners -
Cabinetmaking:
Russell Blythe, from Glen Forrest trained at Swan TAFE and is employed by Jim Brown Cabinets.
Cookery:
Toia Miorada, from East Fremantle trains at Challenger TAFE and is employed by The Red Herring.
Meat Retailing:
Leon Barradell, from Eden Hill was trained at Swan TAFE and is employed by Mondo Di Carne.
Bronze Medal Winners -
Automotive Mechanics:
Brendan Mandzij, from Albany trained at Great Southern TAFE and is employed by David Smith Auto Repairs.
Floristry:
Matthew Landers, from St James, was trained at Challenger TAFE and now owns and runs his own floristry business, Fleurtatious.
Painting and Decorating:
Conan Cordin, from Mt Nasura trained at Swan TAFE and is employed by John Cordin Painting and Decorating.
Plumbing:
Michael Heley, from Whitby trained at MPA Skills and is self-employed.
Restaurant Services:
Laura Chapman, from Victoria Park trained at Swan TAFE and is employed by Burswood Entertainment Complex.
Vocational Education and Training in Schools -
Gold Medal Winner:
Horticulture
Emma Dunham, from Kwinana Senior High School.
Bronze Medal Winner:
Business Services
Tamara Williams, from Hamilton Senior High School.
Minister's office: 9231 6800
