First NZ representative selected for international comp

14 December 2023

Our first international competitor has been selected for the WorldSkills International in France next year.

Carl Rankin, WorldSkills NZ GM, says after the hiatus of Covid, the team is thrilled to announce that Elliott Farnan, a trainee aircraft engineer from Air New Zealand, will be representing New Zealand in the 47th WorldSkills International Competition in Lyon in September 2024.

Elliott rollicked home with the top scores, taking out the top place at the WorldSkills New Zealand National Aircraft Maintenance Competition in Wigram in November. At 20 years old, Elliott was one of the younger competitors to take part in the two-day competition.

“I’m excited to be representing New Zealand. I am looking forward to that the most. And I’m looking forward to having the support of my family and friends who will come over.”

Following his success at Wigram, Elliott had “a nerve-wracking wait” until he and his employer were interviewed as part of the international selection process – and his place at Lyon was confirmed.

“It was a nice relief to know, and the nerves could end — but it is a different kind of nervous now that I have to prepare to represent New Zealand.”

The WorldSkills International Competition will run for four days with five modules which Elliott anticipates will be a lot more intricate and challenging than the intensity of the national competition.

Looking ahead, he will be focussed on training, planning, and research. “It will be mental and physical.”