CAPITAL Veneering’s cabinetry apprentice Oliver Baker is off to Perth to compete in the WorldSkills National Competition having cleaned up the local competition.
It’s been a wild ride for the apprentice who struggled to get into the industry.
“I was washing dishes for a living because I hadn’t had any luck in my search for a cabinetry apprenticeship,” Oliver says. “I happened to mention my dream of securing an apprenticeship to a waiter who told me his brother worked for local business Capital Veneering, and they were hiring.”
Capital Veneering owner, Ben Madden, says he was so impressed with Oliver’s positive attitude and enthusiasm in the interview, that he contacted Australian Business Apprenticeships Centre (ABAC) to organise the sign up paperwork straight away.
Now in the third year of his four year apprenticeship Oliver will be representing the ACT in a three-day test of cabinetry skills competing against the best in Australia – following in his boss’s footsteps.
“I’ve already received the plans for the writing desk I will have to construct, and Ben has been mentoring me, so I am super excited,” says Oliver.
“We are very proud of Oliver and know he will do well,” says Ben.
The 2014 WorldSkills Australia National Competition will be held at Perth’s Convention and Exhibition Centre between the 18th and 20th of September.
The three day event will showcase the skills of 500 of Australia’s best trainees, apprentices and students competing for the prestigious title of ‘Nation’s Best’ in over 50 skill and trade areas ranging from the traditional trades such as Plumbing, Bricklaying and Hairdressing to the more contemporary professions of Web Design and Fashion Technology.
For more information on apprenticeship and trainee opportunities visit Australian Business Apprenticeships Centre www.apprenticeshipscentre.com.au
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