Automotive Students Win: WorldSkills Australia Championships

Congratulations to Kangan Institute automotive students Benjamin Schutz and Amber Gabelich who won silver and bronze medals at the 2018 WorldSkills Australia Championships.

The duo, who represented Team Victoria in automotive electrical and vehicle painting categories, were presented with their medals at the WorldSkills Australia closing ceremony in Sydney yesterday.

Medalists stand a chance to represent Australia at the WorldSkills international competition in Russia next year and are eligible to apply for a range of local and international scholarships.

Ms. Gabelich of Kalimna also shared her excitement over the win.

“I’m over the moon. It was a really close competition,” said the 21-year-old vehicle spray painter apprentice who works at G.P Motors in Bairnsdale.

“Through the competition I’ve made new friends and learnt new ways of doing things. I think it’ll expand my employment opportunities in the future.

“I’d like to thank my school, workplace, family and friends.”

A total of seven Kangan Institute students represented Team Victoria at the championships, with our competitors also competing in heavy vehicle, retail baking, fashion technology, IT network systems administration and food and beverage categories.

Kangan Institute CEO Trevor Schwenke congratulated the students for a strong show of talent against Australia’s top vocational students.

“Well done to the seven Kangan Institute students who gave it their all at the WorldSkills National Championships, particularly Benjamin Schutz and Amber Gabelich for achieving silver and bronze medals in their categories,” said Mr. Schwenke.    

“The WorldSkills National Championships is Australia’s biggest vocational education and excellence competition.

“We are very proud of our student competitors as well as the teachers who mentored and supported them on their journey. They have made a great contribution to Team Victoria.”

Kangan Institute competitors include:

• Benjamin Schutz, of Hamilton – automotive electrical competitor
• Daniel Gavaghan, of Sunbury – heavy vehicle competitor
• Amber Gabelich, of Kalimna – vehicle painting competitor
• Isabella Di Giacomo, of St Albans – fashion technology competitor
• Quan Dinh, of Thornbury – retail baking (bread) competitor
• Samuel Dell'Albani, of Reservoir – IT network systems administration competitor
• Emily Nikolovska, of Craigieburn – VET in Schools food and beverage competitor

(Photos by WorldSkills Australia. All rights reserved. Used by permission.)