Hard work and dedication have paid off for twenty year old Bundaberg local, Ben Nedwich after he was successful in taking gold in the Business Services competition at this year’s WorldSkills Australia National Competition held in Melbourne last month.
Last Saturday Ben also took out the Australian Apprentice (Trainee) of the Year Award at the Australian Training Awards held in Darwin.
Employed as an Integrated Management Systems (IMS) Support Officer at the Bundaberg Regional Council, Ben was able to keep a cool head throughout the three-day competition which included complex projects involving word processing, spreadsheets, database and PowerPoint presentations as well showcasing his communication skills.
Time management and problem solving were also a focus as participants were required to complete lengthy tasks within specific time frames.
Prior to competing at the national titles in Melbourne, Ben had taken out first place in the Regional WorldSkills Competition held at the Bundaberg Campus of TAFE Qld East Coast last year.
Ben travelled to Melbourne as part of the 120 member Queensland team which included other competitors in trades such as tiling, electrical, plumbing, plastering, automotive, and hairdressing.
Prior to travelling to Melbourne Ben attended training camps at TAFE Queensland East Coast where he was mentored by Team Leader and Business Teacher, Joanne Charters.
Ms Charters said Ben had performed very well throughout the training sessions.
“We held various meetings with the three Queensland business competitors using the communications software Lync. Throughout the sessions we practiced complex activities and the competitors had the opportunity to ask many questions.”
“Through this Ben’s well-developed organisational skills came to the fore and he proved to be an outstanding student,” Ms Charters said.
Following on from his WorldSkills success, Ben now has the opportunity to apply for scholarships to work internationally. He has also become an Australian Apprenticeship Ambassador and a spokesperson for young people who are prepared to work hard and reach their goals.
During his two years with the Bundaberg Regional Council Ben has completed his Certificate III in Business Administration and if all goes according to plan he would like to study business at university in the future.
BUSY At Work, CEO Paul Miles said BUSY was pleased to have signed up Ben to his traineeship at the Bundaberg Regional Council and delighted that he was achieving great success in his working life.
“Ben has shown himself to be an outstanding achiever and we congratulate him on his success so far.”
“As specialists in apprenticeship and traineeship support services Ben’s achievements confirm our commitment to investing in Australia’s Apprenticeship Program.
“We know Ben has a great future ahead of him and we look forward to seeing how he continues to move forward in his professional career,” Mr Miles said.
“WorldSkills competitions demonstrate the value that traditional trade and newer technology vocations continue to make to the social and economic fabric of Australia,” Ms Miles said.
WorldSkills Australia has been involved with the promotion and development of skills excellence in Australia since 1981. Competitions are held biennially on a regional, national and international level allowing young Australians the opportunity to showcase their trade and skill talent.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
0438 173 960 leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
