In eight short months, the next generation of plumbing industry apprentices, trainees and students will face the ultimate challenge as they compete against the nation’s best at the 2016 WorldSkills Australia National Competition, Melbourne.

WorldSkills Australia is a national, not-for-profit organisation that provides young Australians aged 23 and under the opportunity to gain new skills, compete against their peers in their chosen trade and fast track their skills and career development. Established in 1981, their purpose is to promote and build a skills respect culture by celebrating skills excellence, inspiring young people and providing them with an opportunity to showcase their trade and skill talent. This is achieved through competitions held on a regional, national and international level.

Eighteen plumbing competitors will join close to 500 competitors from across the country at Melbourne Showgrounds from Thursday 6 to Saturday 8 October, where they will compete in over 50 skill categories for their chance to secure the coveted title of ‘National Champion’.

Among them is NSW-based plumber Kieren Lewis. The 21 year old has taken to the trade like a duck to water, after being inspired by his family.

“I wanted to get into a trade, and plumbing was something I’d always been around,” Kieren says.

“My father and uncle are plumbers, and two of my cousins are currently undertaking their apprenticeships.”

Kieren loves the diversity that working in plumbing provides. “I love not knowing what sort of job you’ll be sent to next.”

For the young hopefuls like Kieren that are gearing up to compete, the National Competition is an opportunity to reach their potential and achieve their own definition of greatness.

“It will be an exciting new adventure. I’m going to do the best I can and hope that I can come out on top after a tough three days of competition.”

For more information about the 2016 WorldSkills Australia National Competition, Melbourne, visit: worldskills.org.au/2016-national-competition