WorldSkills medallist set to paint a bright future in automotive refinishing

An $8,000 scholarship boost will provide apprentice vehicle spray painter Amber Gabelich with an opportunity to enhance her skills in custom vehicle paintwork in the United States next year.

The WorldSkills Australia vehicle painting bronze medallist is one of 15 recipients selected by a judging panel to receive the BBM Skilled Futures Program Scholarship, a joint initiative by WorldSkills Australia and BBM Youth Support to offer medallists an opportunity to travel abroad and undertake work experience.

Currently completing the Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology (AUR32416) at Kangan Institute’s Automotive Centre of Excellence, Ms. Gabelich plans to complete work experience at a custom body shop in the United States to pursue her passion in custom vehicle painting.

“I’m stoked to have this opportunity to travel overseas and partake in training I would not otherwise have a chance to,” she said.

“I hope to further my trade by expanding my skills in the custom side of vehicle painting, especially the techniques and methods in custom fabrication, airbrushing and pin striping older vehicles.

“Custom painting is a much bigger industry in the United States so there’s a lot to learn and experience.”

Kangan Institute CEO Trevor Schwenke congratulated Ms. Gabelich on her new scholarship and wished her well on her upcoming work experience.

“We’re so proud of Amber Gabelich for attaining the BBM Skilled Futures scholarship. It’s a fantastic achievement and a once in a lifetime opportunity to gain new skills and experiences to benefit her future,” said Mr. Schwenke.

“Apprentices like Amber prove that pursuing TAFE training and a trade career can lead to incredible experiences outside of typical classroom and workplace training environments.”