Gold medal well-deserved for former student

Former Cathedral College student Michael Twitchett recently took home gold at the WorldSkills Australia National Championship in Heavy Vehicle Mechanics. The competition tested the skills and knowledge required for the diagnosis and repair of vehicle and machine systems in the heavy mobile equipment and road transport industry. The fourth year apprentice and TAFE NSW student said he was honoured to receive the winning title. "I never thought starting out as an apprentice who moved away from home that I'd end up in a situation like this," Michael said. "To achieve something like this is very fulfilling...coming first was beyond my biggest dreams." Michael's TAFE teacher recommended he compete in the regionals championship which ultimately landed him a spot in nationals. "I thought I'd give it a go and then sort of went from there," he said. Michael said competing in something he's passionate about offers a different kind of thrill from working everyday. "It's not like a day at work where you start something up... if you come last, you come last," he said. "It's competing, it's fun." Throughout the competition, Michael used his pre-existing skill and knowledgebase to work through the challenges he encountered. "The transmission I was dealing with was a brand I don't use in the workplace," he said. "I just sort of figured out 'Well, this is what I know, how can I apply it to this?' His gift for heavy mechanics runs in his veins, with many of his family members involved with the trade. "It's always been around in the family... my grandparents had trucks, my dad drove trucks," he said. The main inspiration though was his uncle 'Fritz', who Michael said first gave him the opportunity to work in the field and has since supported him throughout his career. "He's the one that pretty well started it all and has been along with me the whole way...he has always believed in me," he said. "I've grown an amazing bond with him." Michael also thanked his workplace Twin City Truck Centre and his mum for their unconditional support as he made his way through regionals and nationals.

Gold medal well-deserved for former student

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