SWAN Hill SuniTAFE student Aiden Keys is preparing to represent Victoria at the WorldSkills Australia National Championships.
The event will take place at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from June 12 to 15.
Held every two years, the championships bring together the country’s top emerging tradespeople to compete in a range of categories.
Mr Keys is one of nine students selected for the SuniTAFE team and will be competing in the Welding category.
The SuniTAFE team will be supported by their teachers, who are serving as mentors, team leaders, and judges.
Mr Keys’ journey into welding began with a simple notice on a school bulletin board.
“I saw a local business looking for a welder while I was in Year 12,” he said.
“I’d never touched a welder before, but once I picked up the handpiece and put on the helmet, I fell in love.”
He soon gained hands-on experience at O’Connors in Horsham.
“I’ve worked on many different projects and was lucky to learn from senior welders who were always willing to help,” Mr Keys said.
“They pushed me to do my best, and that really shaped how I approach every job.”
That foundation of curiosity and commitment led Mr Keys to WorldSkills.
“I didn’t really know much about it until my TAFE teacher, Aiden Baker, mentioned it,” he said.
“He’d competed before and thought I had a shot. I figured it’d be a good chance to test myself.”
With strong support from SuniTAFE, and mentor Mr Baker, Mr Keys began preparing for the national competition.
“He’s given up a lot of his time to help me train,” Mr Keys said.
“The recent Team Victoria camp in Melbourne was amazing.
“I got to try the same machines we’ll be using in Brisbane and meet other competitors.
“We shared experiences and helped each other figure out where we could improve.”
To stay focused during the high-pressure competition, Mr Keys plans to use some creative techniques.
“Normally I listen to music or audiobooks to stay in the zone, but during the competition I’ll have to sing little songs in my head instead,” he said.
Mr Keys said the biggest lesson he’s learned is patience.
“It’s all about staying calm and not rushing,” he said.
“Take your time with everything, and great things will come from it.
With the competition just a week away, Mr Keys said he is proud to represent his state.
“I’m just excited for the opportunity,” he said.
“Not everyone gets to compete at this level.
“It’s a bit nerve-racking, but it’s also something I’m really proud of.”
