Lake Macquarie’s Dylan Bolch has travelled to Abu Dhabi to take on some of the most skillful young people in the world after entering the 44th International WorldSkills competition.
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Bolch has been selected as part of the 18-member Australian Skillaroos team that will represent the country, as well as their home towns, in a four-day competition.
The international event, nearing it’s half-decade anniversary, will see more than 1300 participants compete from over 50 countries, showing off talents in more than 51 trades and skills from October 14 to 19.
In the TAFE NSW students and alumni form half of the Australian Skillaroos squad that is making the trip with the aim of becoming world champions in their chosen trades and fields.
Bolch, who is currently employed by Macquarie Manufacturing at Rathmines and previously undertook the study of a Certificate IV in Engineering (Metal Fabrication) at TAFE NSW, is looking forward to proving on the world stage that he has what it takes, and is preparing with countless hours over the past 12 months.
“I’ve put in a lot of work in with extra hours and practice trying to perfect my welding skills,” Bolch said. “I’ll be competing against the best of the best in Abu Dhabi. I’m really looking forward to putting my skills to the test to see how I shape up against the rest of the world.”
It’s not just Bolch that has faith in his talents and their translation to championship bids on the world stage – managing director of Macquarie Manufacturing, Eddie McDonough, believes that the young Skillaroo has what it takes to go all the way in the WorldSkills competition.
“He has dedicated a great deal of time and energy towards training for the competition,” Mr McDonough said.
“In his few years in the trade, Dylan has worked incredibly hard and applied himself to achieve great outcomes.”
As well as the competitors in the Abu Dhabi tournament, TAFE NSW will also be sending 19 support staff, including local painting and decorating teacher Ian Vickery as one of the judges of the painting and decorating categories.
The Skillaroos will leave Australia on the weekend of October 7-8, and settle in to Abu Dhabi before undertaking the talent-tournament a week later.