NZ Army Apprentices tested on World stage

14 November 2007

Two Army apprentices representing New Zealand in the 'Olympics' of trade training are now in the heat of competition in Japan.

Sapper Luke Boustridge (from Fielding) is an apprentice electrician and Corporal Josh Comerford (of Timaru) is an apprentice steward.

The pair are participating in WorldSkills International, the biggest vocational skills competition in the world which is held every two years.

Team members describe it as being a bit like going to the Olympics – complete with a formal opening ceremony where all countries march on with fanfare and celebration. 

And, like the Olympics, the competitors aim to give the best performances of their lives while judges, meticulously scrutinize every detail.

The manual trades are now in demand and the event also gives young trades people once in a lifetime opportunities.

Not every young person is destined to be a sports or performing arts star. But WorldSkills opens just such a door for trade-orientated perfectionists to participate and vie for international honours.

Winners will be announced on 20 November 2007.

WorldSkills sets international class standards in more than 45 skill categories ranging from cabinet making to web design.

Sixteen judges, 14 competitors and three officials make up the New Zealand team who are in Japan now.

ENDS

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