Two VET students, from a team of six, win bronze at the WorldSkills National Championship

Six Charles Darwin University (CDU) TAFE students from across the Northern Territory travelled to Melbourne to compete in the WordSkills National championships.

These students whose expertise range from Beauty Therapy to Electrotechnology showcased their skills and knowledge in front of more than 200,000 people.

CDU VET in school student (VETiS) Khiandra Fabian won the Bronze Medal for VETiS Business Services.

“It was all very exciting; I really wasn’t sure what to expect but it was such a welcoming environment where learning was at the forefront” Ms Fabian said.

“It was great to put all the expertise and knowledge I’ve been practicing for so long to the test during the competition.”

Ms Fabian who recently completed her Certificate III in Business at CDU, as part of the NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services Cadetship at the Waterfront Campus, is already looking to compete again at the next WorldSkills which run every two years.

“I am already looking at how I can compete again and become even quicker and proficient with my skills,” she said.

CDU Retail Baking student Jade Reichstein won the bronze medal for Retail Baking (bread) category.

Alice Springs locals and CDU Beauty Therapy Alumni Gemma Cowan and Ella Adami also competed in their respective field and Ms Cowan received a Certificate of Excellence for her outstanding performance.

CDU VETiS Electrotechnology student Riley Dwyer and CDU Carpentry student Sascha Waldron were also part of the NT team.

These students worked overtime to hone their skills and perfect their techniques to compete against Australia’s best vocational students.

Pro Vice-Chancellor and CDU TAFE Chief Executive Mike Hamilton said WorldSkills was a chance for our students to showcase their skills and celebrate the talented young people from the Northern Territory.

“It is a privilege to be able to showcase just some of the talent we have from across the NT,” Mr Hamilton said. 

“As the NT’s only TAFE we will work towards growing our students’ participation and hopefully see a more diverse group of competitors from the NT in the future.”