Graphic designer Indy Griffiths has been chosen as one of 15 young ‘Skillaroos’ to showcase their skills on the world stage this month at the 54th WorldSkills International Championships in Kazan, Russia.
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| WorldSkills Australia competitors |
Griffiths, who studied graphic design at TAFE NSW Enmore, will represent Australia in the Graphic Design Technology section of the championship, with the support of her employer, Shayna Price, from Mona Vale company Style Communications, and sponsor Visual Connections, a long-standing WorldSkills supporter.
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| 'Feels like a dream': graphic designer Indy Griffiths |
“It’s the first time Visual Connections has sponsored a graphic design apprentice – we have previously sponsored print or sign apprentices – but design is absolutely fundamental to our industry so supporting Indy is very much in line with our commitment to helping young people gain the skills, knowledge and experience they need to build successful careers in our sector,” says CEO Peter Harper.
After successfully winning her way to nationals, Griffiths found herself on the podium with a Bronze medal at the 2019 WorldSkills Australia Global Skills Challenge in Melbourne. By her side through the whole journey was her WorldSkills Expert, Brendan Hibbert, who will also accompany her to Russia.
Griffiths says competing with other young people from 66 countries is an opportunity to learn, develop her skills and build confidence. “It’s just been a fantastic experience and an amazing confidence-builder. I’ve learned so much from other designers all over the world – and it’s great to be able to bring those skills back to the industry here in Australia.”
Representing Australia in Kazan feels like a dream, she says. “Growing up, the thought of representing my country wasn’t an option. I wasn’t really into sport — my main goal was just to successfully work for myself in the future. Years later I’m here, working for myself and representing my country—all in one. It is the biggest honour to be part of the Skillaroo team, representing our country on the world stage, and I know that whatever result I come back with I will be proud of all I have achieved.”
WorldSkills International, formerly known as the International Vocation Training Organisation (IVTO), organises the world championships of vocational skills that is held every two years in different parts of the world.
