Premier and Minister for Education and Skills, David Bartlett, today congratulated Daniel Moelder and Andrew Ringsgwandl for being awarded Big Brother Movement (BBM) Limited Scholarships after their success at the WorldSkills Australia national competitions.

'BBM Awards have enabled hundreds of talented young Australians to visit Britain to gain more experience in their chosen field of work,' Mr Bartlett said.

'These awards have become a highly respected and beneficial international pathway from WorldSkills Australia's national competition since 1985.

'Andrew, of Pipers River, and Daniel, of Wynyard, have each proved their dedication to skill excellence in their chosen vocational field.

'They will now travel to the UK to take part in a two-week corporate leadership development program where they will get to test the limits of their mental and physical boundaries in tasks such as an expedition to the hills of North Wales and a sinking ship simulator.'

Mr Bartlett said that Tasmania had a long history of excellence at the WorldSkills Australia national competition, bringing home four gold, five silver and three bronze medals as well as the prestigious Evatt Shield for the best performed region in 2008.

'Tasmanian has won the Evatt Shield three times in the last four competitions, and no other region has ever achieved this milestone,' Mr Bartlett said.

'This is a major achievement for Tasmania, and highlights our long and proud history of achieving excellence in vocational education and training.'

Mr Bartlett said that Tasmania Region had been involved in the WorldSkills program since its inception in 1982 and had competed in each cycle of competition. 

'I'd like to congratulate both Andrew and Daniel for doing our State proud by displaying their outstanding skills,' Mr Bartlett said.

'I wish them all the very best for their study trip, which will not only enhance their career prospects, but will positively contribute to Tasmania's cultural and technical development and help maintain strong links with developments in other countries.'

For interviews/media opportunities:

Andrew Ringsgwandl : 0400 578 309

Daniel Moelder : 0400 076 572