Kangan Institute at World Skills

Kangan Institute took part in the Victorian division of World Skills at Victoria University in October last year.

The World Skills event has representatives from TAFE colleges throughout Victoria compete in a carpentry competition. Kangan Institute had four representatives competing in the last event.

The competition winner is given the opportunity to represent Victoria in the nationals which are to be held in Sydney in May this year. We are extremely proud to announce that Kangan Institute was placed first and second overall! Congratulations to first place winner Max Pearson (from Assumption College in Kilmore) and runner up Adrian Jones (from St Bernards College in Essendon) on their outstanding success.

From left: Team Leader for Youth, Phillip Love. Winner, Max Pearson. Second place, Adrian Jones. Teacher, Colin Trueman.

Our competitors were selected from VETiS building classes. Kangan Institute has over 100 students from various schools and colleges who attend the Broadmeadows campus for one day per week during the school year. All students from these classes are enrolled in a carpentry pre-apprenticeship course which takes two years to complete.

The process in selecting the final four Kangan Institute competitors was an involved one. A day was allocated for 21 competitors from eight schools whereby the students were required to construct a saw stool and were provided with all materials, tools and a copy of the plans (as well as judges mark sheets) in order to finalise the task to the best of their ability.

The presentation night. From left: Teacher, Colin Trueman. Second place, Adrian Jones. VET Coordinator at St Bernards College, Peter Wilson. Team Leader for Youth, Phillip Love Phillip Love, teacher at Kangan Institute's Building and Natural Environments department was most pleased with the talent on show during the selection day. VET Coordinator from Assumption College in Kilmore, Carol Fisher, joins the crew for a picture.

"Perseverance and determination was shown by all competitors; all students could see the others work yet no one gave up," he said. Judging was difficult as the standard was very high but in the end, Adrian Jones, Paul Markesich and Michael Farrant were chosen from St Bernards and Max Pearson was chosen from Assumption College. The students working hard on selection day at Kangan Institute.

"This same attitude was showcased at the Victorian World Skills event, which ensured Kangan Institute's representatives took the awards home," Phillip continued.

We now look forward to the national results from the event being held in May. If you'd like more information, please contact Corporate Communications on 03 9094 3062 or 03 9094 3318.