Regional Competitions: Questions and Answers
What can I expect when competing?
» An 8 hour challenge - you will have to complete a project in this time frame.
» You will receive support and training prior to competing.
» You will compete against a group of other young people at the same time.
What will I get out of it?
» Become recognised as the best in New Zealand in your trade or skill area.
» A great point of difference for your CV.
» A clearer idea of your strengths and what you want for your future.
» A participation certificate.
Why would I want to compete?
» To try something new and exciting.
» See how you stack up against other young people in your trade.
» For the chance to travel overseas representing New Zealand!
» Get noticed at work, and you may want to use the external feedback about your skills and abilities at your next work performance review.
How does the competition work?
» At the competition you will be provided with a work area identical to that of your fellow competitors.
» You will all have the same materials, equipment and instructions.
» You will be given a competition project to complete over one day. You will be given a list of what tools you can bring.
What if I win?
» If you are under the age of 22 as at the 31 December 2010 you may be invited to the WorldSkills NZ National Finals.
» The potential to be famous in your district through press publicity!
Am I eligible to enter?
1. WSNZ Regional competitions are open to all ages so long as you are training in the industry, or training towards a career directly related to the skill category being entered.
2. If you have completed training and are currently employed in the industry, or in a career related to the skill category being entered, an age restriction applies.
As at 31 December 2010 you must be:
» 21 years or under for all skill categories (except Mechatronics) – i.e. born in 1989 or later.
» 24 years or under for Mechatronics – ie born in 1986 or later.
My category isn't running locally and what if I have already competed?
» If a category is not being run in your local region you may be able to compete in a neighbouring region. Contact head office to check it out.
» Past regional and national competitors within the age limit may enter again.
» Past International winners are excluded.
Legal stuff for all applicants:
1. Applicant must work, live or study in the region where they apply for entry into competition (unless the category is not being run in their region, then it is permissible to participate in a neighbouring region running that category).
2. Have approval of their employer to participate for the one day of competition.
3. Undertake to abide by the rules of competition.
Okay, I'm ready to enter a WSNZ regional competition what now?
1. Read the 2009/2010 WSNZ regional competition rules.
2. Discuss competing with your employer - printable entry form (PDF)
3. Contact your Regional Coordinator if would like further information.
4. Complete the entry form and post to your Regional Coordinator.
Note: Any application found to contain false information will be disqualified. The decision of the judges will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.
How do I gain entry to the WSNZ National Finals?
» For entry to the WSNZ National Finals you must have either competed in the prior regional competition or been selected to participate by your industry depending on the skill category. For more information contact the WSNZ National Office.
» Regional committees will be responsible for nominating their most appropriate competitor for the WSNZ 2010 National Finals.
» WSNZ has the right to accept or decline written nominations for additional competitors in each category.
I'm aiming for the WorldSkills International Competition
» You will be advised if you have successfully gained entry to the international WorldSkills team after the WSNZ 2010 National Finals.
» There is no guarantee that national winners will attend the international WorldSkills competition.
What can I expect of the WorldSkills International experience?
» There will be some additional training required - our mentors and trainers will help you with this.
» You will meet some great people and make life long friends through the international team environment in which you train and compete.
» All past WorldSkills competitors say, this is an awesome experience
and urge others to do it.
» The competition lasts 4 days - your team members and mentors will all be there to support you.