The WorldSkills International Competition is the “Olympics for the Trades” and was held in Brazil this year. Crash Management would like to congratulate the NZ automotive trades competitors – the TOOL BLACKS – for an outstanding achievement in their chosen trades, and great success at the competitions.
Luke Tahurangi, David Fox and Chelcie Kuriger achieved GOLD medals and all deserve our admiration. We were particularly pleased to see Chelcie’s achievement, there are still far too few young women entering trades so Chelcie’s example should be a great inspiration to all. Congratulations too to Waikato Toyota for supporting and encouraging Chelcie to compete with the best in the world.
GO THE TOOL BLACKS!
Shane
I agree this is very positive for the auto trades, we need more young people coming in and woman are very welcome. Great profile for NZ at the WorldSkills. Well done Waikato Toyota and Chelsie!
Steve Johnson
Yeah great result Chelsie well done. Girls have always done well in the trades there just aren’t that many of them but I remember Jemma Bond was also a WorldSkillls winner about 5 years ago and a great paint refinisher. Maybe more panel shop bosses just need to do more to encourage more girls but it’s hard these days I know there’s not enough profit in the collision repair industry for training apprentices. Maybe more government grants for apprentice training like their were in the 80s would help. The trades busy but the biggest problem for getting more productivity is getting enough tradesman.
Bruce Barnam
Yea I agree with this too. There’s a young female panelbeater featured in PanelTalk not that long ago in New Plymouth at Sanford Panel and Paint doing a great job. Well done to all.