Local Welding Tutor Prepares To Take On World's Best In Abu Dhabi
Monday 16 October 2017, 4:05PM
By Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
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Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology welding tutor Bruce McQueen is about to apply his teaching and mentoring skills in a very different kind of classroom – the international WorldSkills competition in Abu Dhabi.
The welding expert has been invited by WorldSkills to train 20-year-old Andrew Champion for the welding portion of the competition, which will be held from the 14 – 19 October.
Andrew, who works for RCR Energy in Dannevirke, will have to prove his mettle in welding art, stainless steel, pressure vessels and plate tests. He was selected to represent New Zealand after a series of local and regional competitions.
“The focus for this competition has been on helping Andrew perfect his technique,” says Bruce. “We travel to each other’s workshops, talk on the phone twice a week and he emails me photo evidence of the work that he’s doing.”
The pair have also had guidance and support from manufacturing and welding suppliers.
“The support from industry has been amazing. ESAB and Cigweld Asia Pacific’s Regional Manager Ken Durban, have provided invaluable technical support and Greg Ulster from Lincoln Electric has supplied $20,000 worth of machinery for Andrew to practice with.”
Bruce caught the attention of WorldSkills New Zealand, after a story appeared in the Education Gazette about Bruce’s work with students. He is known for going above and beyond to help young people succeed.
“This was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down,” says Bruce. “It’s a privilege to be a part of an organisation that promotes the talent of young people and encourages them to excel. It’s me to a T. I love teaching, training and working with young people. It’s all about getting them on a straight line, helping them focus on their goals and getting them where they want to go.”
Bruce will continue to tutor the welding and fabrication courses at Toi Ohomai after the competition and aims to bring his experiences and learning from his involvement in WorldSkills back to the classroom.
“I knew this would be a valuable learning experience for not only myself but for my teaching practice as well,” says Bruce. “I get to learn how other countries do the trade, and work with other trades experts, mentors and teachers; this is learning I can bring into my teaching at Toi Ohomai”.
Brian Dillon, Head of Trades and Logistics at Toi Ohomai, says Toi Ohomai is proud to have one their own representing the welding trade in Abu Dhabi.
“Bruce is highly regarded at Toi Ohomai and across the sector in New Zealand, and it’s great to see him get this opportunity. I’m sure he’ll provide great support to Andrew, and also enhance the reputations of both Toi Ohomai, and of the trade training sector in New Zealand for quality trade training”.
This is Bruce’s first big competition and he is excited about the new opportunities and experiences that this role will bring, seeing himself continuing his work with WorldSkills New Zealand for the long run.”
The WorldSkills competition will showcase young talent from 77 member countries and regions across 51 vocational skill areas. There will be 12 competitors representing New Zealand in different areas.
To learn more about Toi Ohomai, please visit our website: www.toiohomai.ac.nz