THE Australian representatives competing in Germany at the Worldskills International Competition in 2013 have gathered at Corrimal Beach Tourist Park this weekend for a training camp.

Each Skillaroo secured their position as an Australian representative after a medal winning performance at the recent National Competition, where more than 500 of Australia’s best apprentices and trainees were competing in 49 skill categories.

The Corrimal training camp is the first opportunity for the Skillaroos to get together as a team. The camp runs for four days and includes activities designed for the team members to get to know one another. Information which is critical for the Skillaroos preparation will be presented throughout the training camp.

Federal MP for Cunningham and Parliamentary Secretary for Higher Education and Skills, Sharon Bird, while visiting the camp on Friday, said the international competition is the world’s largest, most prestigious skill and trade competition.

“Australian competitors will be competing to take out the gold medal in their chosen skill area,” Ms Bird said

Worldskills Australia is a national, not-for-profit organisation (established in 1981) that provides young Australians, aged 23 and under, the opportunity to gain new skills, compete against their peers in their chosen trade and fast track their skills and career development.

“Over the coming months each of the Skillaroos will work closely with their trainers, mentors and employers to develop and refine their skills, all in the hope of bringing home a medal for Australia” Ms Bird said

The Australian Government provides $1.3 million in annual funding to WSA through a funding agreement for the period 2010-11 to 2012-13. The upcoming Worldskills International Competition will be held in Leipzig, Germany from July 2 – 6, 2013.