Lockie Hipkins, a Motor Traders’ Association of New South Wales (MTA NSW) body repair apprentice, will represent Australia at the 47th WorldSkills International Competition to be held in Lyon, France in September 2024.
Hailing from Ballina, Hipkins’ selection follows an impressive performance in the Autobody Repair category at the WorldSkills National Championships in Melbourne.
Stavros Yallouridis, CEO of MTA NSW, congratulated Hipkins on his achievement.
“Lockie’s success is a testament to the commitment and expertise our apprentices bring to the automotive industry,” said Yallouridis. “We’re incredibly proud of him and look forward to watching him shine on the international stage representing Australia.”
“MTA NSW is deeply committed to supporting and nurturing the next generation of automotive professionals. Lockie’s achievements emphasise the quality of training and opportunities we provide to our apprentices.”
Hipkins attributed his success to hard work, dedication, and the ongoing support of MTA NSW. “I’m honoured to represent Australia at the 47th WorldSkills International Competition and will give my all to make everyone proud on the global stage,” he said. “I’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the best in the industry, and I owe a debt of gratitude to my mentors who have shared their expertise and guided me on this path.”
Ian Price, General Manager RTO at MTA NSW, said: “We’re immensely proud of Lockie’s achievements and the calibre of talent our organisation helps to nurture. Lockie’s success is a personal triumph while reinforcing our commitment as an organisation to shaping the future of the automotive industry.”
As part of MTA NSW’s support, the organisation will fund Hipkins’ trip by covering the cost of flights, accommodation, and training.