RMIT student to compete at WorldSkills 47th International in France

CBD resident and RMIT University student Randy Gunawan is gearing up to head to France in September to compete at the 47th international WorldSkills competition in the Industry 4.0 category.

The international trades and skills competition brings together thousands of apprentices and trainees to showcase their skills across 59 disciplines, with Industry 4.0 focusing on the integration of information and communication technology into manufacturing.

Growing up in Indonesia, Randy has been “fascinated by engineering and the opportunity to understand how things work” from a young age, moving to Australia to pursue study at RMIT.

“Innovation has been my passion since my childhood – I like turning my ideas into reality,” Randy told CBD News.

The Australian Skillaroos team will compete in practical tasks over four days from September 10 to 15, with industry experts assessing assess their knowledge, competence and employability skills against a set of strict criteria.

Joining forces with his teammate after a triumphant win at the national competition last year, Randy will represent Australia alongside more than 1500 students from 75 countries in Lyon.

“I feel excited because it’s a huge opportunity for me to expand my skills and my knowledge, as the upcoming WorldSkills international is where I compete against people that are the best in their own country and their respective field,” Randy said.

“With this opportunity as well, I hope to secure internships or jobs.”

Before their grand adventure in France, Randy and his teammate will face one final “pressure test” at the 2024 Global Skills Challenge in Melbourne this May.

The event, hosted across various Victorian TAFE campuses, will prepare competitors by simulating the conditions of the international competition.

“It’s basically like a warm up to get ready for the international competition,” Randy said.

I’m proud of myself to be in Skillaroos representing Australia.

With a significant state government investment of more than $4 billion since 2014 to revamp the TAFE system, initiatives like the WorldSkills competition have empowered more than 157,500 students to acquire the skills needed for their desired careers.

“Congratulations to everyone selected for Team Australia at the WorldSkills 47th International Competition, and to the Victorian Skillaroos who will showcase their skills and represent our world-class vocational training system,” Victorian Minister for Skills and TAFE, Gayle Tierney said.

“Victoria is proud to host the Global Skills Challenge through our fantastic TAFE Victoria network, and to showcase Victorian TAFE and student excellence – I wish all the competitors the best of luck.” •