2002

3rd December 2002
Catholic Students Recognised for 'WorldSkills' Achievements
During a special award ceremony this Friday (December 6), Mr Michael Bowman, Director of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, will acknowledge the high achievements of two students from St Joseph's High School, Aberdeen who represented the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle and NSW at the WorldSkills Australia 2002 National Finals held in Newcastle from October 24-26.

Established in 1982, the WorldSkills Australia National Finals are conducted by WorldSkills Australia to promote the standards and status of vocational training and job skills. The event is heralded as the largest and most comprehensive skills competition in the nation.

In the Schools Vocational Education and Training section, Year 11 student, Ms Kimberley Rolfe won Gold in Retail, while Year 11 student, Ms Stacey Miller won Bronze in Primary Industries.

Staged biennially in different capital cities around the country, the WorldSkills Australia competition is a culmination of almost two years of preparation at a regional level. Preliminary rounds are held in each state in over 50 trade categories, with winners selected to participate in the demanding three-day competition. Much like sports competitors, finalists spend many months honing their skills to prepare for the final event.

Other categories included in the competition include: Business Services, Commercial Cookery, Construction, Consumer Electronics, Food and Beverage, Horticulture, Information Technology, Metal and Engineering, Retail, Primary Industries and Tourism.

Mr Peter Gallagher, Vocational Education Advisor at the Catholic Schools Office, said, "The Catholic Schools Office congratulates Kimberley and Stacey for this outstanding result. Congratulations also to John Tobin, Principal of St Joseph's High School, Aberdeen and his staff. Their dedication, commitment and encouragement have given students the opportunity to not only compete, but to excel in their chosen fields.

"Local employers in the Upper Hunter have indicated that they value highly the skills developed in competitions such as WorldSkills, while students who participated at school, regional and state level were glowing in their appreciation of the opportunity to showcase their skills and talents."

According to Ms Maryka Gibson, General Manager WorldSkills Australia, "Our mission is to challenge young people, their teachers, trainers and employers to achieve world class standards in all industries and to promote the status of vocational education and training across Australia. We do this via the regional and national competitions."

AWARD CEREMONY
CATHOLIC DIOCESAN CENTRE (TOOHEY ROOM)
841 HUNTER STREET NEWCASTLE WEST
FRIDAY DECEMBER 6, 12.30 PM TO 1.30 PM

Back to Media Releases