Across two days in March, WorldSkills International Championship hopeful Thomas Bevan participated in specialised training with William Adams Caterpillar in Tasmania to prepare him for the global competition.  

This training comes as WorldSkills Australia announced their final line up for the International Competition during the same week, confirming Thomas’ place in the illustrious Skillaroos in the Heavy Vehicle Technology category.  

The training enabled Thomas to spend time deep-diving into two key areas that he may need to know for the competition: electrical fundamentals and hydraulic fundamentals.  

The Electrical Fundamentals course was designed to equip Thomas with a solid understanding of electricity which is essential for diagnosing and repairing electrical systems in heavy vehicles.  

Meanwhile, the Hydraulic Fundamentals course helped to familiarise him with the hydraulic components, schematics, and troubleshooting techniques involved with Caterpillar machines.  

This training was organised collaboratively, with SuniTAFE, Mildura Truck Centre, and WorldSkills Australia working together to ensure Thomas has access to as many opportunities as possible. 

“Before Thomas embarks on his journey to Lyon, France for the competition, we’re ensuring he’s equipped with all the skills and knowledge he needs to excel,” SuniTAFE Heavy Automotive Teacher Will Sharpe said.  

“As his local mentor and coach, I have been working closely with him to fine-tune his expertise. 

“These courses are focused on electronics and hydraulics from a mobile plant perspective, which has given Tom invaluable hands-on experience and deepened his understanding of key concepts. 

“This training isn’t just about preparing for Lyon; it’s about investing in Tom’s long-term growth and success in his field.  

“Tom’s enthusiasm and dedication are inspiring. He’s embracing every opportunity to learn and grow and I have no doubt that he’ll make a significant impact in France and beyond.”  

If you’re interested in reading more about Thomas’ journey so far, click here.  

Or, visit the WorldSkills website to learn more.