Student eyes trade title

Gilmore College Year 12 student Joshua Tempra will represent WA at the WorldSkills National Championships in Sydney next month.

Part of Skills Show Australia, the WorldSkills championships will see about 400 competitors complete timed and judged tasks as they vie for gold in their respective trades and skill sets.

Joshua, who will compete in the metals and engineering section, was selected after an impressive performance at the regional competition in 2017.

Joshua said he had been training hard ahead of nationals, where he will come up against Australia’s top VET Metals and Engineering students, completing projects including the design and manufacture of a cantilever toolbox.

“I’ve been coming to school early most mornings and staying after school, I’ve also been coming on weekends and doing night classes at South Metro TAFE,” he said.

Aspiring to become a heavy diesel mechanic, Joshua said his family had been a big support and influence in his choice to train and work within the trade.

Gilmore College industry and enterprise co-ordinator Patrice Kilpartick said the school was very proud to see Joshua reach the national competition. “It really highlights just how good Josh is,” principal Rohan Smith added.