WA's Workskill team sent off for national contest in Melbourne

20/5/99
The cream of Western Australia's talented young workforce will represent the State in the national Skills Australia '99 competition, being held in Melbourne from May 26 to 28.
Employment and Training Minister Graham Kierath farewelled the Western Australian Workskill team today.
More than 60 competitors from across the State are taking part in the event. National winners will represent Australia at the 35th biennial International Youth Skill Olympics in Montreal, Canada in November.
WorkSkill involves competitors from more than 50 industry categories including automotive and vehicle, building and construction, computing and technology, electrical and electronic, client services, metals and engineering, and hospitality and food, competing against each other and the clock to demonstrate international skill abilities.
At the farewell reception Mr Kierath said it was encouraging to see such commitment, talent and hard work amongst young people.
"WorkSkill encourages young people in trades and industries to take pride in their work and to achieve world class standards, he said.
"These competitors have already proved to be the best in their field in WA and I am sure that at the national competition, many will demonstrate that they are the best in Australia.
"We wish all our competitors the best of luck and hope to see some go on to compete at a world class level later in the year."
Skills Australia '99 will showcase 30 categories of vocational competitions where more than 400 regional representatives will compete and be acknowledged as the best in Australia in their chosen field.
The WA Government provides financial and administrative support through the Department of Training for the competitions to be held. State finalists receive $500 each towards the costs of competing at the national level.
The Western Australian WorkSkill competitions are managed and run by the State WorkSkill Co-ordinating Committee, made up of industry, the WA Department of Training and TAFE college representatives.
There were four regional competitions: the Goldfields, South-West, North-West, and Perth.
For more information contact the WA Department of Training on 9235 6222.
Media contact: Steve Manchee 9213 6400