This September, one of our Year 11 Vocational Major students, Dean S, took on the challenge of the WorldSkills Australia Regional Automotive Mechanics Competition, held at the Box Hill Institute. Competing alongside around 20 other pre-apprenticeship students, he demonstrated remarkable skill, focus, and perseverance through a full day of hands-on tasks covering essential automotive mechanics.
Participants faced a set of tasks related to the five courses in a vehicle: engine management; cooling system; brakes, steering and suspension; engine mechanical; and vehicle service and electrical check. Dean was required to rewire a vehicle’s electrical systems, tackle brake and cooling system maintenance, and handle intricate suspension systems. Each competitor had just one hour to perform this range of complex tasks, from changing burnt-out headlights and jump-starting a battery to testing the brake rotors and refreshing the coolant. The competition was designed not just to assess technical skill but also the ability to work under intense pressure—qualities essential in the automotive industry.
Dean took on each challenge with precision and efficiency, ultimately achieving the highest score among the students. As a result, he now stands as one of the potential contenders for the National Automotive Mechanics Competition in Brisbane in 2025. His achievement was acknowledged with a brand new set of spanners, a prize recognising the hard work and skill he brought to the day.
We are so proud of Dean’s outstanding performance, and we look forward to seeing him continue to excel in his automotive career. Well done, Dean!
Ms Jo Rogers
Acting Head of Senior School