ECANZ Excellence Awards in Industrial Automation - Winners 2010

Champ keen to take on tool Order

The Aucklander - 20 January 2011

Never heard of the Tool Blacks? They don’t tackle or score goals. They win their matches by using screwdrivers, tongs and wires.

Daniel Berry, 21, an apprentice from Papatoetoe, is one of three Auckland members of the 17-strong team which will head to London in October to compete at the WorldSkills 2011. Each Tool Black is the country’s best in their skill category, such as auto body repair, plumbing or bricklaying. Daniel’s specialty is industrial control.At the WorldSkills he’ll compete against opponents from 50 countries.

Supported by his employer, Dalton Electrical in Otahuhu, Daniel trains a couple of times a week to chase gold for New Zealand.

Daniel won the ‘‘Ecanz’’ last year in October, a competition organised by the Electrical Contractors’ Association of New Zealand.

He beat five others from New Zealand and thereby qualified for London. ‘‘It’s always good to know that you’re one of the best of what you’re doing,’’ he says. ‘‘It works well for the future career prospects or it looks good on the CV.’’

Daniel started his apprenticeship in 2007 at the age of 18. Now, just three-and-a-half years later, he’ll get the opportunity to show his skills to the whole world.

The Tool Blacks take the WorldSkills competition seriously and leave nothing to chance.

‘‘The New Zealand team from all the areas is going on a camp in March,’’ explains Daniel. ‘‘It’s kind of team bonding. We learn the haka and that sort of thing.’’

Daniel’s confident of bringing a medal home. The top three in each category go for gold, silver and bronze. The rest of the top 10 can also win a medal of excellence. Daniel’s employer, Bruce Dalton, understands the importance of the event for his apprentice. Obviously, there’s an upside for him, too.

‘‘It’s a great reflection on the company,’’ Mr Dalton says with a smile. ‘‘I’m sure we’ll sort something out when he comes home with a gold medal.’’

New Zealand has never won a gold at the WorldSkills. But even if Daniel isn’t the first Kiwi to bring home the big prize from the ‘‘Skills Olympics’’, his boss promises to give him a few days off.