LAST time the Gazette spoke with Louise Azzopardi, she had just been named one of the best tradies in Australia, taking away a gold medal at the 2016 WorldSkills Australia trade skills competition.
Now, the 21-year-old Londonderry resident and ex-Bede Polding student is preparing to fly to Abu Dhabi to compete against the best in the world in her field: heavy vehicle maintenance.
She and 17 other tradies from around the country make up Team Australia – also called the Skillaroos – and will compete against the best from 77 countries in the 44th International WorldSkills competition from October 14 to 19.
“From all the medalists they selected 24 to be in the Skills Squad. You train, then we did a global skills challenge in July and they tested us on our skill level again. From 24 we’re now 18 Skillaroos,” Ms Azzopardi told the Gazette.
“There’s one from every field including tiling, cooking, hairdressing, beauty, and restaurant service.”
Ms Azzopardi will be competing against heavy vehicle mechanics from 16 other countries and their skills will be tested across seven categories: diesel engines, hydraulics, electrical and electronic systems, drive trains, steering, braking and undercarriage systems, pre-delivery inspections, and precision measuring.
“Every section is worth points and the person with the most points gets the gold medal. But it’s more about the people you meet and the opportunities you get out of it – your skill level will be recognised in a pressure situation and against other countries,” she said.
Ms Azzopardi has been preparing for the competition through her regular work as a heavy vehicle mechanic at The Tractor Shop in Glossodia, and has also been training at Wetherill Park TAFE (where she completed her certificate).
“I also train a bit at WesTrac Tomago doing Cat-specific courses. The Caterpillar brand is sponsoring my competition at a national level,” she said.
Ms Azzopardi was the first female to ever compete in her field at the WorldSkills Australia competition in October last year, but she will be competing against both male and female champions in Abu Dhabi.
She said being the only female in the Australian competition didn’t phase her, nor does working in a male-dominated field.
“Every now and then I come across girls. I used to work with two other female mechanics and I see a couple every now and then when I’m training at TAFE,” she said.
According to Ms Azzopardi, the pressurised nature of the WorldSkills competitions is not necessarily indicative of her day-to-day job as a mechanic, however being able to work under pressure is a great skill to have.
“Sometimes when my customers are waiting for jobs there is a bit of pressure there, but most of the time it’s pretty smooth running. We tell the customers when it’ll be done and give ourselves enough time to get it done,” she said.
Though Ms Azzopardi has already been named the best in Australia, she plans to keep upskilling in the future
“This is the field I want to stay in. I’m not sure yet if I’m going to stay on the tools forever – you could go into management, supervising, or being a TAFE teacher,” she said.
When she’s not working with tractors, Ms Azzopardi does pole dancing to keep her fit and centred.
“It balances out my lifestyle a bit and I find it fills me with confidence and makes me feel comfortable in my own skin,” she said.