Students from Northern NSW region are coming together at St John’s College Woodlawn today (Thursday 17 November) to compete in the World Skills Australia regional competition in the category of Primary Industries. 

According to Tanya Pearson, Leader of Vocational Education and Training at St John’s College the school is honored to host such a prestigious event 

“WorldSkills Australia promotes and builds a skills culture, celebrates excellence and showcases vocational education and training, trades and apprenticeships in different locations across the country,” said Ms Pearson. 

Every two years Regional Competitions are held in 34 regions across Australia, testing the skills and knowledge of over 4000 apprentices, trainees and students. Students have the chance to win gold, silver and bronze medals.

These winners then go on to compete at a national level. It is open to Year 11 students from Catholic, Independent and Department of Education sectors who are studying VET courses. 

“The category of Primary Industries is happening on 17 November and Entertainment (Lighting and Production) is in February next year. 

“We are excited that our Year 11 student Lillian White is representing the College, against predominately Kempsey students,” said Ms Pearson. 

“Our Year 9 Agriculture students are also completing a pressure test for the judges in Livestock Handling. These students have represented the College, presenting cattle at the recent agricultural shows,” said Ms Pearson. 

Ms Pearson said that St John’s College already has a winner in the Floristry competition with Year 11 student Holly Oates successful in the Sydney Regionals, and Ryan Fahey is completing his qualification in Plumbing and will be competing at Newman Secondary College in Sydney on 24 November, 2022. 

“It is a very special event as students are able to test their skills against others in the region and will be recognised by WorldSkills Australia. The students are demonstrating their problem solving, critical thinking, and resilience skills and the competition gives students an incredible experience,” said Ms Pearson. 

“The students have been practicing what is going to assessed which are specific scenarios so that on competition day they will be confident and ready to go,” said Ms Pearson. 

“We are also really pleased we have the extensive agricultural facilities at the College to host the event.”