Skillaroos place fifth at WorldSkills 2007

Queensland’s “Skillaroos” helped Australia take fifth place at the WorldSkills International Competition in Shizuoka, Japan, this week.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford congratulated the Queensland team members for their efforts at the event.

“The WorldSkills International competition is the world’s premier skills excellence event, covering 24 categories ranging from bricklaying to web design and auto repair,” Mr Welford said.

“The 27-member Australian team took home 21 medals, including one gold, three silvers and a bronze, as well as 16 Medallions of Excellence.

“Queensland’s Kim Harrison picked up a Medallion of Excellence in the Graphic Design Technology category, while Lachlan Thomas received one for Refrigeration.

“I would also like to congratulate the other Queensland team members, Paul Neumann and Chris Hopkins, who finished sixth in the Sheet Metal Technology category and thirteenth in the Joinery category against very strong fields.”

Mr Welford said WorldSkills 2007 featured more than 830 competitors from 48 countries competing for the title of the world's most skilled nation.

“Korea was named the 2007 WorldSkills champion ahead of Brazil, Singapore and Switzerland,” he said.

“The Australian team’s fifth placing improves on their ninth placing two years ago in Finland.

“This result reflects the high standard of Queensland’s trainees and apprentices, as well as the quality of our training providers.

“We have certainly seen an increase in the level of community awareness in vocational education and training in recent years.

“Our Government’s $1 billion Queensland Skills Plan is helping with this shift and leading the way in developing a vocational education and training system capable of providing best practice training for young Queenslanders.”

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000