Butcher Chops Up Competition

19 August 2008

Tim Gorman is among top apprentice butchers in Australia, after winning a silver medal at the National WorldSkills Competition last month.

Gorman, a graduate from TAFE NSW Illawarra Institute, was part of the 140-strong NSW WorldSkills Team which won more than 60 medals at the national competition, which promotes the importance of world-class vocational skills and training.

"We are very proud of Tim and his silver medal. It means that he is among the best in his trade in Australia," said relieving TAFE NSW Illawarra Institute Director Jai Waters.

Tim was selected as part of the NSW WorldSkills Team after his success in the 2007 regional competition. He spent the past nine months preparing with other competitors from the Illawarra Institute.

"It has truly been a team effort with employers, TAFE trainers, support staff, sponsors, friends and families all playing their part in ensuring that competitors such as Tim were well prepared for the intense competition," Ms Waters said.

Over the three days, Gorman had to create a range of value-add packs from chicken, lamb, beef and pork and was judged on areas such as creativity, presentation of product and slicing and dicing techniques.

"The judges were extremely impressed with Gorman's enthusiasm and dedication to his work during the competition," Waters said.

"In fact, he was just 0.45 of a mark off winning the gold medal, which shows just how talented he is."

In addition to Gorman's silver medal, representatives from the Illawarra Institute won six other medals at the event including two gold, one silver and three bronze.

Gorman, who completed his apprenticeship at Patricks Butchery in Yass, now manages the Freshwater Gourmet Butchery in Harbord.

The National WorldSkills Competition was held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour.

Get a taste for TAFE

TAFE NSW Illawarra Institute is hosting tours of its Wollongong campus today, giving high school students "a Taste of TAFE".

More than 180 people, including students from Bulli, Woonona and Corrimal high schools, Holy Spirit College, Edmund Rice College and Illawarra Christian School are expected to attend the event.

The Taste of TAFE day will provide people with information about the wide range of services available at the Illawarra Institute, the courses on offer and the career opportunities they provide.

Get ready to rock

Calling all budding rock musicians! It is that time of the year again, when the hottest young musical talent takes to the stage in the Mercury BlueScope Band Competition.

For the chance to share in more than $10,000 worth of prizes, including cash prizes and $5000 recording package at 313, simply fill in an entry form available from the Illawarra Mercury, and get rehearsing.

Heats take place at the City Diggers Club from September 17 until November 5 and the grand final will be held at the Regent Theatre on November 14.

Entry to the competition and heats is free, so get your act together and get playing.

For more information, call 4221 2362.


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