Golden trip to WorldSkills Australia for GOTAFE
GOTAFE’s WorldSkills Australia contingent tasted plenty of success in Brisbane – including a gold medal.
Nine GOTAFE students have done Victoria proud – representing their state at the WorldSkills Australia National Championships and Skills Show in Brisbane.
And for Numurkah’s Benjamin Millen the week was particularly special, taking home a Gold Medal in Automotive Refinishing.
Mentored by Anthony Coleman (Trainer and Assessor Panel) – as well as Mark Ward (Manager Automotive and Engineering), who was also attending as a Victorian Team Leader – Benjamin tackled three days of competition before being crowned the winner at Sunday’s closing ceremony.
Another pair of GOTAFE students came away with Certificates of Excellence in their respective skill areas.
Nicholas Stephens – mentored by Darren Young – came fourth in the Panel – Autobody Repair competition, while Jakk Devlin, mentored by Steve Cranage, claimed his Certificate of Excellence in the IT – Cyber Security event.
Lachlan Dunne (Heavy Vehicle), James Lennox (Light Vehicle – Automotive Mechanics), Hayley Hopkins and Ethan Marsh (Motorcycle Mechanics), Fraser Ellis (Construction Steelwork) and Jed Coolahan (Airconditioning and Refrigeration) also represented GOTAFE with pride on the WorldSkills Australia stage.
Benjamin will now have to opportunity to represent Australia at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.
He will be joined by GOTAFE’s Kim Banfield, who was the Chief Judge for Bakery in Brisbane and will be representing Australia as a judge at the international competition next year.
