CIT grad heads to Shanghai welding championship at WorldSkills
Cooper Thornely, 21, a CIT graduate, will compete for Australia in welding at the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai next week.
Thornely fell in love with welding at age 12, playing in his school metalwork room during lunch. Now a qualified boilermaker, he'll represent Australia against more than 80 countries at the Olympics of vocational skills.
Almost 40 young Australian apprentices under 24 are competing in Shanghai. They'll take part in more than 30 events, from cyber security to bricklaying.
Thornely has trained hard while working 45 to 50 hours a week at an engineering firm. He also trains after hours and on weekends.
He'll face tough competition from China and Japan during his four-day welding event. But he's confident his eye for detail will help.
- 21
- Thornely's age
- Almost 40 under 24
- Australian apprentices competing
- More than 80
- Countries competing
- More than 30
- Events at WorldSkills
Why it mattersThe WorldSkills event gives young tradespeople global recognition. It shows how much vocational careers matter.
AustraliaAlmost 40 Australian apprentices competing in 30+ events this year; success attracts young people to skilled trades in Australia.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 9 d ago
