Swinburne represented at ‘Olympics’ for young tradespeople

Computer Systems Technology graduate, Andrew Brown competing at 45th WorldSkills International Championships.

Computer Systems Technology graduate, Andrew Brown, placed equal fifth for Cloud Computing at the 45th WorldSkills International Championships in Kazan, Russia.

Computer Systems Technology graduate, Andrew Brown, recently travelled to Kazan, Russia, to compete at the 45th WorldSkills International Championships.

The WorldSkills International Championships – nicknamed the ‘Skill Olympics’ – attracts more than 1,300 young apprentices, trainees and vocationally-trained professionals from over 60 countries to compete in their chosen skill.

Andrew was among 15 young tradespeople selected to represent Australia at the world’s biggest showcase of vocational talent. The team was known as the Skillaroos.

“It was amazing to be part of the Skillaroos,” says Andrew. “To represent Australia is an experience I don’t think I will ever top.”

Competitions in 56 skills across a wide range of industries were held from 22 – 27 August. Andrew’s chosen skill was Cloud Computing, which involved designing and implementing information technology infrastructure in a public cloud environment.

Andrew placed equal fifth out of 16 competitors, earning him a Medallion for Excellence.

Other skills Australia was represented in included Electrical Installation, Plumbing and Heating, Graphic Design Technology and Joinery.

Overall, Australia placed eighth in the world, two places higher than its previous ranking.

The Skillaroos were supported at the event by a group of category experts, including Swinburne IT tutor and WorldSkills Australia’s Deputy Chief Expert for Cloud Computing, Jeffrey Nugent.

“I would like to thank Jeff for all his help and for introducing me to WorldSkills,” says Andrew.

“Without him, I would not have had this amazing opportunity.”

Earlier this year, Andrew placed second at Australia’s biggest international skills excellence event, the 2019 Global Skills Challenge. He also placed second at the 2018 WorldSkills Australia National Championships.

Since completing an Advanced Diploma of Computer Systems Technology in 2018, Andrew has been working as a Systems Support Engineer at software company, Effective Digital.

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