Competitors in the Canberra Region’s WorldSkills competition at the Canberra institute of technology (CIT) in Bruce last week were greeted with a visit by Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, in his role as Minister for Tertiary Education.
The competitions coincided with National Skills Week and the skills of competitors, including CIT students, were on full display with around 100 apprentices and students participating in the competitions.
Carpentry, cabinet making, wall and floor tiling, painting and plastering competitions were held at CIT Bruce with electrical installation, plumbing and refrigeration at CIT Fyshwick.
CIT said the national celebration is aimed at shedding light on the myriad of skills and qualifications the vocational education and training (VET) sector provides to Australian businesses.
CIT said WorldSkills was an international vocational education competition which Skills Canberra runs in the ACT, hosted by CIT.
“The one-day competitions engage students, apprentices and trainees in the delivery of a range of tasks that must be completed whilst meeting specific requirements,” the CIT said.
It said the tasks allowed competitors to demonstrate the skill, attention to detail and hands-on ability they acquired through their chosen vocational education pathway.
Mr Barr’s visit provided him with the opportunity to see first hand the widespread teaching facilities at CIT Bruce, while a special tour allowed him to see CIT’s state-of-the-art, simulated learning environments where students prepared for careers in industries such as health and fitness, dental and renewables.
