In 2008 at the WorldSkills Australia National Skill Competition held at Darling Harbour and team joined the world of WorldSkills for the first time ever and it was the Green Team!  Teams of Event Management students from TAFE joined with Environmental Management students from university, under the guidance of a lead auditor, to assess the carbon and ecological footprint of the event.  At the same time the skills areas, such as Detailed Joinery, Cookery etc, were encouraged to consider sustainability when designing the test project the competitors were undertaking, to consider water, waste & energy when running the competition over 3 days, and to think about tools and supplies.  Further they were asked to consider how might the marking scales support skills being used sustainably.  And at the end of the 3 day National competition and inaugural award for ‘outstanding leadership in showcasing skills for sustainability’ was awarded - to Vehicle Painting!

For the first time ever at an international event, WorldSkills Calgary 2009, have also introduced sustainable initiatives!  Travel to and from the venue is by CTrain which runs on wind generated electricity, and everyone is using it to not only travel to and from the venue but around the city as well.  Team Leaders, Experts and Organisers have all been sponsored with mobile phones that will  be donated to a local Womens Refuge for their ongoing use.  And all visitors are being encouraged to pick and return their programs at the end of each day for reuse the next.  Just to name a few event initiatives!

There’s an Environmental Coordinator in place who’s being dealing with any incidents that may have occurred and also ensuring the thoughtful disposal of things like contaminated rags and other items.  A team of environmental auditors have also come in to assess Skill Areas in terms of Materials, Products, Energy, Water, Waste as well as Social and Economic factors.  And the WorldSkills International Committee have implemented an inaugural ‘Skills for Sustainability’ award!  All skill areas were encouraged to apply…

Who will win?  We’ll find out at the Farewell Party! Watch this Space!