Skilled on a world stage

NATIONAL champion panel beater and Chisholm graduate Dayne Ciborowski has returned to the TAFE’s Dandenong campus to judge the next generation of apprentices.
The Cranbourne resident was on hand late last year to cast his eye over competitors in the regional round of the WorldSkills Australia program.
The competition showcases the skills of apprentices and the newly-qualified in trades like hairdressing, plumbing and mechanics in battles of speed and workmanship.
Chisholm held contests in the automotive (mechanical light, mechanical heavy, auto body repair and paint) and engineering (turning) categories.
Gold medallists will go on to compete in the national championship next year in Perth.
The national winners will then have a chance to compete at the international competition in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 2015 as part of the Team Australia Skillsaroos.
“It’s definitely something to put on your resume, employers really value the title,” Mr Ciborowski said.
He said competing in the auto body repair category at the 2013 WorldSkills International Championship in Leipzig, Germany, was a great opportunity.
“Going to Germany for WorldSkills was pretty full-on and intimidating… exciting though,” he said.
“It improved my time-management due to the time restrictions and really sharpened and honed my skills.”
Mr Ciborowski said it made him more confident, particularly with intensive training leading up to the event.
“We trained twice per week in the months prior to the event, then every night the week before,” he said.
“It’s great being on the other side of things, and seeing the next generation through.”