There are three people Brock Johnston credits for his WorldSkills success.
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The year 12 Gilgandra High school vice captain has received a WorldSkills gold medal and been selected on the NSW team of compete at Nationals.
And he credits his Gilgandra High school teachers Russell Woollams and Andrew McCutcheon and his TAFE teacher Martin Whelan.
"I am really grateful for the opportunity being provided by WorldSkills," Mr Johnston said.
"My Gilgandra High school teacher Russell Woollams is an outstanding teacher and he has taught me a great deal.
"Without Mr Woollams I would not have gained exposure to this field. I appreciate that Mr Woolllams and my Design and Technology teacher, Andrew McCutcheon, are always willing to help me with my metalwork.
"I also could not have achieved this success without the support of my TAFE teacher Martin Whelan.
"Marty knows the industry inside out and he has been unreal in helping me.
"I was really lucky to get a job with Ryan Brook at Central West Machining and Engineering, especially as we have been in a devastating drought making it hard on local businesses and farmers.
"It's an awesome place to work. Every week I gain really valuable hands-on industry experience from Ryan and all the boys at work are super helpful. I know I am fortunate to have such a strong support team from everyone around me. It means a great deal," he said.
More than 50 trades and skills are represented at WorldSkills competitions, which start at the regional zone level and progress through to international competition. Brock competed in the VETiS Metals and Engineering category.
Brock, who lives on a farm between Dubbo and Gilgandra, received the medal because he achieved the highest score at zone level. His mark of 90.5 also meant Brock qualified for one of three possible spots on the NSW team.
Every two years WorldSkills holds more than 500 regional competitions in 34 regions across Australia. These competitions test the skills and knowledge of more than 4000 apprentices, trainees and students across a wide range of trades.
Brock is completing Year 12 and also undertaking a School Based Apprenticeship. He works one day a week at Gilgandra business Central West Machining and Engineering. Brock has also been travelling to Orange for TAFE. By the end of this year he will receive his HSC and have completed the first year of his apprenticeship.
Brock was due to join the state team for competition in Western Australia this month however, because of Covid-19 the Nationals have been rescheduled for next year.
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