CSA Mine Glencore employee and former TAFE Western Dubbo student Jim Delboux may have finished outside the placings in the prestigious WorldSkills Competition in Sao Paulo, Brazil, but he was still pleased with his performance against some of the best young apprentices in the world.
Mr Delboux, 21, who studied Certificate III in Electrotechnology at Dubbo’s TAFE College and completed his apprenticeship last year, said the Industrial Control section at the 43rd annual world-wide competition was a true test of his knowledge and skills and was an “experience he will never forget”.
“The competition was hard work, after a two hour straight session I felt like I had been jogging for an hour.
“The timeframe for the job was so tight you had to make the most of every second, work fast, think fast and stay focused,” Mr Delboux said.
“Overall I finished 14th out of 25 competitors.
“Initially I wanted to finish in the top 10, but after doing everything I possibly could for four days, I looked around and saw how tight the competition was and realised I should be happy with my result,” he said.
“It was a huge challenge but a real thrill.
“I enjoyed meeting like-minded people from around the world and seeing so many different trades and skills compete across a massive competition site.”
Mr Delboux said representing Australia was the biggest highlight of his experience.
He said he was honoured to wear the Australian uniform with the national flag draped over his shoulders at the opening ceremony.
“Representing my country was such an honour and something I will never forget.”
Mr Delboux, who has just returned from Brazil, said he was now looking forward to some rest and recovery before heading back to work at CSA Mine.
“Next year I will continue to develop my skills and knowledge – whether it be a TAFE course to add to what I have already completed or starting electrical engineering I am not sure yet, but I know I want to keep learning and challenging myself,” he said.
