Tool Black offers employer ‘the complete package'
Marcel Woods is the complete package - a ‘people person’ with a technical edge, according to his MITO Industry Training Advisor Colin Kingi.
"His approachability is a real asset. With his employer’s supervision he is developing into a world class automotive technician," says Colin.
In fact, Marcel has already proved himself to be world class in a couple of areas. He was the Motor Trade Association Northland Apprentice of the Year for 2007.
The following year he won a gold medal at the WorldSkills NZ National Finals in September. As a result, he is the New Zealand automotive technology representative at this year’s WorldSkills International Competition in Calgary, Canada.
Every two years hundreds of young apprentices from all over the world gather to compete at WorldSkills International.
WorldSkills promotes high performance among young people in key industries vital to economic and social success. It encourages global competency standards by raising awareness of the importance of skills and the use of technologies.
Marcel Woods has been in the automotive trade for four years. He completed his apprenticeship in automotive engineering through MITO. Throughout his apprenticeship he was employed at Renton Motors (1976) Limited in Kaikohe, Northland, where he continues to work as a senior technician.
Marcel found that competing at WorldSkills New Zealand increased his mechanical skills and techniques, and also helped with time management, discipline and dealing with pressure and stress.
He strongly recommends others to take part in the WorldSkills regional competitions because "the experience opens so many doors, even if you don’t win. You get to see how your skills stack up against other technicians around the country."
Marcel is honoured to have been chosen for the Tool Blacks team and given the opportunity to represent New Zealand on the international stage. As a Tool Black competitor, he will soon leave with the rest of the team for Canada.
The team was hosted at a cocktail farewell function held at Government House recently, hosted by Their Excellencies the Hon Sir Anand Satyanand, GNZM, QSO, Governor- General and Lady Satyanand. Sir Anand is the WorldSkills New Zealand Patron in Chief. Marcel was elected to speak at the farewell on behalf of the Tool Black team.
For each of the 2009 Tool Blacks, the Calgary event is "an experience of a lifetime." It will draw hundreds of thousands of visitors, including industry leaders, educators, delegates and technical experts from around the world.
The next WorldSkills competition will be in London in October 2011.
For more information about WorldSkills New Zealand visit: www.worldskills.org.nz
