100 young Western Australians participate in 1998 WA Workskill competitions

4/12/98

No one expects to win a medal simply by being good at their job - but nearly 100 young Western Australians who participated in the 1998 WorkSkill Australia Perth Regional Finals competition have done just that.

Employment and Training Minister Graham Kierath said skilled young people in 32 occupational categories competed earlier this year for gold, silver and bronze medals.

The gold medalists will go on to compete nationally next year for chances to represent Australia at the International Youth Skill Olympics in Montreal.

The Western Australian WorkSkill competitions are run in this State by the State WorkSkill Co-ordinating Committee, made up of industry, the WA Department of Training and TAFE college representatives. There are four regional competitions: the Goldfields, South-West, North-West and Perth.

Mr Kierath said the medal winners, presented with their awards at the Sheraton Hotel Perth Ballroom this morning, had made an outstanding achievement because competition at the Workskill event was so strong.

"Competitors must complete a difficult and challenging project in their particular field, within a strict time frame while being observed by judges and the general public," he said.

"I congratulate the winners of this year's event.

"They represent the pinnacle of skill, talent and dedication in their fields, and I am confident that they will all go on to even greater achievements in their future careers."

A full list of the winners and contact points is available on request.

Media contact: Steve Manchee 9213 6400