Competitions were run in hairdressing, integrated technologies and engineering at different venues across the city.

Regional VET Worldskills competition  in the field of engineering were hosted by Ballarat Christian College and saw students undergo a demanding test to independently produce 12 separate components with a specified time limit.

Highlands LLEN workplace learning co-ordinator Lisa Howlett said the competitions were specifically for secondary school students undertaking a VETiS (Vocational Education and Training in Schools) program.

Five students competed in the engineering competition held at Ballarat Christian College trade training centre. They were required to make a vice within eight hours.

“This is a different project to what’s been done in the past. It’s designed to cover the skills they have learnt and challenge them as well,” Ms Howlett said.

Ballarat Christian College trade training centre manager Glen Strange said the students had learnt most of the skills needed to make the vice.

“The majority (skills) they would have learnt. A lot of it is procedure; what to make when. Accuracy is the basis of engineering,” Mr Strange said.

He said the competition gave the students workplace experience.

“This is work. A client brings in a task and you have to make it in a certain time. It has to work. It’s a great simulated environment to test that out,” he said.

Ballarat Christian College year 11 student Brendan Thomas said he felt comfortable with completing the task and hoped to make it through to the next round.

The winner of the regional competitions will go on to represent the Wimmera region at the state finals.

More regional competitions will be held on September 9 at Phoenix P-12 Community College.

erin.williams@fairfaxmedia.com.au