ACT-based refrigeration technician, Michael Arena, has been selected to progress to the 2014 WorldSkills Australia National Refrigeration Competition to be held in Melbourne from May 20-22, 2014.
The 2014 WorldSkills Australia National Refrigeration Competition will be held in conjunction with the Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Building Services (ARBS) Trade Exhibition at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The 23-year-old fridgie is set to compete against other young champion technicians from up to 10 regions across Australia.
During the competition, Arena will be required to complete a series of technical and skill based tasks that will be judged by industry experts, all in the pursuit of a gold medal and the title of ‘Australia’s Best’.
Arena, who is currently employed by O’Connor Commercial Refrigeration and attends Canberra Institute of Technology will also be vying for a scholarship through one of WorldSkills Australia’s prestigious international pathways where he will be given the chance to pursue further skill development through study, work experience, overseas travel or financial support.
Talking to CCN, Arena said his regional win made him feel like all his hard work had paid off.
“To top it off I found out my good mate and work colleague Mat Tait came in second, he was hard to beat,” Arena added.
When Arena first began researching career pathways, he knew he wanted to pursue a trade and a non-traditional one at that.
“Refrigeration seemed to be a great challenge and it has taught me a range of different abilities. Also my boss, Fay O’Connor is the nicest person I have ever met; after my interview, looking for another trade seemed silly,” he said.
In the lead up to the National Competition Michael will work closely with his employer and trainer to help him prepare and refine his skills.
The National Competition provides a platform for young Australians to test their skills, meet like-minded individuals and prove their commitment to their skill.
Competitors have had to progress through a round of regional competitions in order to be selected to represent their region.
Medallists of the National Refrigeration Competition will be announced at the official Presentation Ceremony being held on Thursday May 22.