by LUNGELO SHEZI via htxt.africa

Twenty one South African youngsters currently studying tech, robotics, motoring, arts, hospitality and beauty at varsity have been selected to show off their skills at the 43rd WorldSkills Competition in São Paulo, Brazil.

The WorldSkills Competition, which takes place in August, brings together young professionals from 50 countries and regions to participate in various challenges and tasks related to their industries. The Contestants’ performances are judged according to how they match international standards of quality.

These are the students who will be representing South Africa next month:

• Marko Combrinck – Refrigeration and air conditioning
• Mia Crous – Hairdressing
• Duwayne Davids – CNC Turning
• Glendon Garthwaite – Plumbing and heating
• Roeléne Groenewald – Beauty therapy
• Werner Hager – Mechatronics
• Su-Mari Jansen van Vuuren – Mobile robotics
• Rabelani Malema – Car painting
• Katlego Mogedi – Web design
• Thabiso Mohale – Autobody repair
• Tressure Mokgohloa – Mechatronics
• Nevinson Moyo – IT Software Solutions for business
• Willem Nel – Automobile technology
• Micaela Newton – Restaurant service
• Skhumbuzo Nkosiyaphanisi – Plastering and Drywall Systems
• Tayla Schou – Cooking
• Charles Souls – IT network systems administration
• Marnes van der Walt – Mobile robotics
• Jeandré Van Der Watt – Electrical installations
• Jaco van Deventer – Welding
• Caitlin Ward – Graphic Design technology

The 2015 competition is organised by the WorldSkills International non-profit group and Brazil’s National Service for Industrial Training (SENAI).

World Skills also gives participants the chance to engage with their counterparts and exchange knowledge an information on best practices in their industries. Winners are chosen in each skill and are awarded medals at the competition’s closing ceremony.

“The experience and the results of all of the competitions provide valuable feedback to the Competitors, their countries or regions of origin and businesses and schools in which they are being trained,” competition organisers said.

“These are young people that will add value to any company they work for or any enterprise they decide to start. They excel in critical skills like welding, plumbing, refrigeration, air conditioning, plastering, auto-body repair, car painting and electrical installations,” deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa said in his address during the team’s official send off on Friday.