TAFE New South Wales automotive students have excelled against hundreds of their peers from across the country and brought home seven medals at the recent WorldSkills Australia 2023 National Championships Closing Ceremony in Melbourne.

Among the medal winners is Ross Colquhoun, who took out the prestigious gold medal in the Automotive Mechanics category of Australia’s largest skills competition, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre last week.

“I walked into the competition not with a winning attitude, but I wanted to learn something no matter what with no real expectation to be on the podium,” said Mr Colquhoun.

“So, when my name got called, it was pretty surreal. Honestly, I’m still trying to process it now.

“The most exciting part of the next step for me isn’t the international competition itself, I’m just keen to keep learning, honing my skills and meeting heaps of people from all different mechanical backgrounds.”

Mr Colquhoun is studying a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology at the TAFE NSW Coffs Harbour Education Campus and is completing his apprenticeship at A1 Mobile Mechanical Services in Coffs Harbour.

Ross Colquhoun (L) with mentor Kirk Trease

“I couldn’t have even come close to the gold medal without the support network that has enveloped me in the last few months,” he added.

“My mum and my brother came all the way to Melbourne to watch, my TAFE NSW mentors Dave Fogarty, Paul Richards, Kirk Trease, and Clint Flower.

“My boss Mark (Maynard) and good mate Cooper have taught me so much – and to Jenny Frost from TAFE NSW who is the most amazing WorldSkills regional manger in all of Australia.”

TAFE NSW team leader and WorldSkills Australia expert faculty associate member Troy Everett said TAFE NSW students are in high demand because of the quality of their education and ability to hit the ground running in the workplace.

“Our students winning these awards demonstrates what is on offer for students if they choose a TAFE NSW education,” he said.

NSW MP for Coffs Harbour and state shadow minister for tourism and emergency services Gurmesh Singh congratulated Mr Colquhoun on his accomplishment, saying the event will present a life-changing opportunity for the apprentice mechanic.

“I know Ross is looking forward to testing his skills against competitors from around the globe,” he said.

“WorldSkills will provide Ross with unique learning opportunities – his selection for the national team speaks volumes of his dedication to his course and the high-quality support he enjoys from his TAFE teachers and his employer, A1 Mobile Mechanical Services.

“We are extremely proud of Ross as he prepares to represent the Coffs Coast with distinction, and I wish him and his fellow Skillaroos every success in France.”

Since 1950, the WorldSkills International Championships have united vocational apprentices and trainees from around the world in competition in their respective disciplines.