LOCAL auto electrician Kane Girard won gold at the 2014 World Skills Australia awards ceremony in Perth on Sunday evening.
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Mr Girard said he put his hand up for the first round late last year at Tamworth TAFE, not thinking anything of it.
“Basically the Tamworth round was a lower version of the competition in Perth. We had a day of testing and I actually came third. Brandon Roberts won the Tamworth round; he used to work at A1 Auto as well but sadly he passed away,” Mr Girard said.
The passing of Brandon meant the second place recipient would qualify for Perth, but he was above the age limit so Mr Girard was informed he was going to WA.
“At Perth we were asked to complete five three-hour and 20-minute projects over the course of three days. I was a bit worried about one of the projects but I studied hard and it payed off,” he said.
After Mr Girard was notified about his acceptance for the Perth round, an email was sent to all participants informing them of their projects.
“I was lucky enough to be able to study on some of the cars that came into the shop before I went. TAFE supplied me with an engine because one task was that I had to rewire an engine, so that was very helpful of them,” he said.
Mr Girard thought he would at least reach the top four, but did not think he would win gold.
“I was the only country boy there and I think that was a bonus for me. It was a good experience and I got to meet a lot of people,” he said.
The young auto electrician’s boss, Chris Crouch, had faith in Mr Girard and knew he would show great skill.
“It was never an if Kane won, it was always a by how much would he win,” Mr Crouch said.
Mr Girard has been working with A1 Auto Electrics and Air Conditioning for about four years.
“We have a real advantage working in country areas as the work we do is so diverse. Most city auto electricians will have one specific role and focus on one aspect of the job,” he said.
Mr Girard followed in the footsteps of Mr Crouch who also won gold in the same category in 2008.
Mr Crouch said he “couldn’t be prouder” of Mr Girard and said he hoped there was a long partnership with him in the future.
Mr Girard payed tribute to Brandon and his family, and said he was one of the hardest workers in the business.
“He was supposed to be at the World Skills Australia and I have no doubt that if he were to have competed he would have come home with the gold medal as well,” Mr Girard said.
