By Natasha Fujimoto
FROM a very young age, Jack Bird was always had a tool in his hand, crafting his ware with whatever material he could find. Utilising wood, wire or the occasional motor, Jack would happily construct, rebuild and repair.
Now at the age of 16, Jack is a first-year apprentice excelling in his Certificate lll in Engineering, Mechanical and has just won this year’s Regional WorldSkills gold medal in Wodonga for turning, beating third and fourth-year apprentices in the process.
A coveted competition, usually the domain of older apprentices, Jack’s GOTAFE teacher, John Farrow saw something special in Jack’s rapidly advancing skills and nominated him for the challenge.
Also recognising his young apprentice’s drive, passion and talent, owner of GV Engineerinng Works, Trevor Seccull said, “Jack is a thinker, he’s very motivated and he takes a lot of pride in his work. I knew he would do well in the competition because in a short time, he’s already done the work of a third or fourth year.”
Stating that Jack was the talk of the competition, being the youngest competitor and winning the gold medal, Trevor’s wife, Liz said, “Jack has picked things up very quickly and he has more than proven his weight in gold. He is very mature for his age.”
Grateful to both Trevor, Liz and his mentor on the floor, Neil Swainston for the opportunity to be apprenticed to GV Engineering, Jack said,
“Working here is enjoyable, I obviously love the trade and I’ve learnt many skills.”
With aspirations to one day run his ‘own show’, Jack already has his eye on the Worldskills Australia, National championships in Melbourne next year and beyond that, he may even be on his way to Paris in 2024 for the international titles.
