Congratulations to Darren Barnes for his bronze medal in welding at the national WorldSkills competition.
More than 500 competitors from around the country descended on Melbourne Showgrounds on 9 October, to showcase their skills in categories ranging from beauty to plumbing.
The 22-year-old Engineering TAFE student from Hoppers Crossing says the three-day contest was difficult but the outcome was rewarding, and has opened more doors for his future.
"The competition was tough and challenging with a lot of good quality welders, and the marks were close. I finished third Australia and now I have applied for BBM scholarship."
Mr Barnes, who studies at Sunshine Campus, is employed by Toll Fleet Altona North workshop.
Two high-achieving hairdressing students – Jennifer Ngyuen and Stephanie Kotsos – also represented Victoria Polytechnic in the intense competition.
Known as the Olympics of vocational training – WorldSkills showcases the talent of top apprentices and trainees nationally, regionally and internationally in approximately 50 categories.