A Victoria University-trained plumber from Hillside is up there among the best on the planet after winning bronze at the International WorldSkills championships in Brazil.
Earlier this month, Dylan Di Martino, 21 (pictured), faced off against 27 other national champions from around the globe in a gruelling three-day competition.
WorldSkills, which is held every two years and known as the Olympics of vocational training, drew more than 1000 of the world’s top apprentices to test their skills in 45 professions, from hairdressing to welding.
The plumbing contest required the inter- national competitors to order supplies then design, build and test various plumbing and gas systems in Masterchef-like work bays.
Mr Di Martino earned his spot in Australia’s Skillaroos team after winning gold in the nationals in Perth last September, then silver in the Oceania titles held in New Zealand in April. He has only recently completed his apprenticeship at VU’s Sunshine trades hub.
“I learned some lessons from the Oceania contest, when I ran out of time and couldn’t pressure-test everything,” Dylan said. “So I sacrificed a little quality to complete my jobs this time.”
