Blair Watters

• Age: 22 years

Competitor in Skill: Car Painting
Country: Australia

How did you get interested in your skill?
I first got involved in the automotive vehicle painting industry when I was studying for my HSC. I took part in a TVet (VET in schools) course in Automotive Vehicle Painting in turn inspired me to get an apprenticeship in the industry cause I have a passion for custom car painting and restoration work.


Where did you do your training for your skill?
TAFE NSW Hunter Institute, Glendale Campus


How did you first find out about your Member organization and its programs?
I first become involved in WorldSkills Australia when I competed in the 2013 WorldSkills Australia Regional Competition at Hunter TAFE Gllindale Campus where I got gold.


Who influenced you to pursue your skill as a career?
I influenced myself to pursue a career as a Car Painter as i have always been and worked around cars.

What is your experience in participating with your Member organization?
My experiance with my member organization was the best thing that happened to me when i competed in the Regional and National Competitions where I won Gold.


Describe your most memorable moment so far with WorldSkills?
The most memorable moment with WorldSkills would have to be standing on the stage in Perth with a goldmedel around my neck


Describe what your experience has been since your involvement with WorldSkills
The best experiance with WorldSkills would have to be when I and the rest of the Skillaroos competed in the WorldSkills Oceania competition in Hamilton New Zealand.


Did participating in the skills competitions and training for WorldSkills help you progress in your skill? Please describe.
WorldSkills Australia has helped me personally because it has allowed me to have more confidence in myself and knowing that I can manage to get a job done in a certain time frame. Professionally, WorldSkills Australia has helped me because it has allowed me the get jobs done faster and quicker at work and in my training as I know I can get that job done in the time frame given to me.


What do you currently do? Where do you work?
I am currently a 4th year Head Paint Technician and i work aT&K Restorations

What are your future career aspirations?
My short term goal is to finish my apprenticeship in the automotive vehicle painting industry. I eventually want to open my own custom painting shop. Ifl was given the opportunity, I would also like to become a TAFE teacher.