NEWS

WorldSkills is a fantastic opportunity for young talent from various trade professions to test their skills. As a social enterprise, WorldSkills Australia has a purpose to identify, demonstrate, promote and grow the excellence of Australia’s skills development.

Snap-on Tools are proud to be partnering with WorldSkills and supporting two individuals in our Australian team. Nicholas McLaren from the Northern Rivers region in NSW will be competing in Automotive Technology and Isabella (Bella) Turrise who works in Western Sydney will be competing in Automotive Refinishing internationally later this year.

Since 1981, more than 100,000 apprentices and trainees have taken part in WorldSkills Australia activities with many going on to become leaders and key influencers in industry, small business owners and educators.

At the 45th WorldSkills International held in Kazan, Russia Team Australia comprised of 15 Skillaroo’s and 23 experts. Team Australia finished 8th overall out of the 63 nations that competed at the event.

To be involved with WorldSkills and to join the Skills Squad means an intensive training regime for both Nick and Bella. The training requirements are minimum six hours per week for the first four months, eight hours per week for the following 4–6 months and over 10 hours in the final three months that competitors must commit to their skill. That is in addition to their full-time employment! While the training plan may seem gruelling to some, Bella and Nick know every additional hour of training helps them achieve a higher standard of knowledge – and that every new skill and technique helps grow their career opportunities and trade skills. Snap-on Tools are proud to be associated with Nick and Bella in their respective category. Nick, an Automotive Technician, is heading to Frankfurt, Germany to represent Australia in the Automotive Technology skill from the 13th – 17th of September. Bella, an award-winning Automotive Refinisher, is heading to Silkeborg, Denmark to represent Australia in the Car Painting skill from the 18th – 21st of October.

2021 National Automotive Refinishing Gold Medallist Isabella Turrise was recently recognised in the TAFE NSW Excellence Awards. Claiming Supply Chain and eCommerce Student of The Year, TAFE NSW Apprentice of The Year, and TAFE NSW Student of The Year, Isabella has truly shown where hard work, dedication and talent can take you.

We look forward to seeing Nick and Bella representing Australia on the world stage. Snap-on Tools wish both Nick and Bella all the very best at WorldSkills International!