By Matthew Sims
Berwick College student Justin Wilson has proved his worth on a national stage in metalworking and engineering, taking home a bronze medal at the 2023 WorldSkills Australia National Championships recently in the VET in Schools (VETiSMetals and Engineering competition.
Held from Thursday 17 to Saturday 19 August at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event involved people showcasing their skills obtained via vocational education and training.
The third place was made more special for Justin with his father David being a key part of the competitions, having designed the section he competed in, as well as being a trades teacher at Ringwood Training, where Justin undertakes his VETiS Metals and Engineering course.
After placing first in the regional competition, Justin qualified for the national competition, which involved competitors having to design and complete a project over a three-day period, as well as a short written test.
“We had to make everything from scratch,” he said.
“It was pretty stressful, but I had a plan for what I was going to do.
“I’m really happy with how everything came out.”
Justin made a sheet metal tool box and a tool tray during the competition.
He said he had a few hours to spare near the end and took his time to refine the work as much as possible and said he was “thrilled” with a bronze medal.
“I just put in the extra effort,” Justin said.
He said he loved seeing his work come to life from design to construction and seeing a work come together piece by piece.
“It can be very fine work,” Justin said.
In his spare time, Justin said he has built a number of functional works, including a workbench and a birdcage.
He said he was looking to become an apprentice in carpentry after school with engineering as a potential backup.
