Jack Strachan, 18, is in his second year of a Certificate III Carpentry at TAFE NSW Wollongong and is employed by Davis Rice Constructions in Berrima.

He will compete in the Carpentry competition at the Skills Show at the International Convention Centre (ICC) from Saturday, June 2 to Monday, June 4.

Jack earned his place at the National Championships after a strong performance at the 2017 WorldSkills Australia Regional Competitions.

He said he was training after work two nights a week for more than four hours in preparation for the National Championships.

“It’s been hard but hopefully it pays off. At the national competition I’m hoping to go in with a positive attitude and leave nothing out there,” said Jack.

“Medal or not, I just want to walk away knowing that I did all I could and tried my best. I feel very privileged but extremely nervous.”

Jack said his father had been the biggest influence in him pursuing a skill, and said his goals were to obtain his builder’s licence, start in the industry by building cottage-like homes and eventually build architectural houses.

WorldSkills Australia CEO Brett Judd said WorldSkills Australia was about nurturing and developing the skills of young Australians, and congratulated competitors for “excelling in their fields and reaching such a prestigious national level”.

He said events such as Skills Show Australia 2018 highlighted the diverse opportunities available to those pursuing a trade or skill.

“Choosing a vocational education and training path can open up some incredible and varied career opportunities,” Mr Judd said.

“Many of the occupations predicted to have the strongest jobs growth in the next five years are offered by our vocational education and training sector.”

Mr Judd thanked the sponsors, supporters and volunteers for their tireless support of the Skills Show and National Championships.

For more information on Skills Show Australia 2018 visit www.skillsshow.org.au