Governor-General Inspires Young Trades Team

Media release
By WorldSkills New Zealand

Governor-General, Hon Sir Anand Satyanand, recently wished farewell to the team of young trades representatives who will be competing for New Zealand in the 40th WorldSkills Competition in Calgary, Canada.

The event held at Government House, Auckland, was attended by team officials, supporters, employers and sponsors, along with business and Parliamentary representatives who joined the Governor-General in paying tribute to the New Zealand trades team, called the Tool Blacks.

As Patron of WorldSkills New Zealand, the Governor-General fully endorsed the organisation’s role in promoting trade skills, and the teams’ achievement in participating in WorldSkills Calgary 2009.

“This event is much more than a series of games. The serious purpose behind it, which is supported by WorldSkills NZ, is to show young people the opportunities available for satisfying and productive careers in trade and service industries. This is not just for the benefit of individuals. Communities depend on continuing availability of suitably skilled personnel for their economic and commercial success. In times of economic difficulty, like these, it is even more essential for there to be investment in helping young people find the work they can enjoy and excel in,” said Sir Anand.

Seventeen young New Zealand trades’ men and women are taking on the world in head-to-head competition in Calgary, Canada, beginning 1 September.

World titles are at stake, and New Zealand standards of trades training are in the spotlight.

The young team of Tool Blacks will contest individual trade categories against more than 800 Competitors from 51 countries/regions. They will be required to show their skills in specially assigned tasks designed to simulate the requirements of their workplace, in what will be intense competitive situations.

At the previous WorldSkills Competition held in Japan in 2007, the New Zealand Tool Blacks were ranked 14th of the 49 nations competing.

According to team spokesman, automotive technician Marcel Woods (21) of Kaikohe, the Tool Blacks have worked very hard for success.

“With the training the team has put in, we are all closer to winning gold at Calgary, the ultimate goal,” said Marcel. “But regardless of gold or silver, our journeys will not end with the closing of the Competition.”

The Governor General said he believed that the team provided a wonderful example and expressed admiration for the commitment shown in preparing for the Competition.

“I want to stand behind the notion of the team doing well this year - as Competitors and as ambassadors for our country. As New Zealanders you will carry our brand, and I hope that you enjoy every moment and come back enriched and stimulated to pass on your experiences to your friends, families and colleagues.”

The Tool Blacks were selected after the WorldSkills New Zealand national finals in September 2008.

To meet the international criteria, all national Competitors were required to be less than 23 years of age in the year they compete. Since that time the young people selected and their trainers have been putting in long hours of training to fine-tune their skills in preparation for four days of intense practical competition. The team will compete in seventeen different trade categories covering a broad range.

For more information please visit: www.worldskills.org.nz.