Skillaroo 2009: Jewellery

NAME
Joshua Fimognari
CATEGORY
Jewellery
REGION
Sydney West, New South Wales
EMPLOYER
Carina Jewellers
TRAINING INSTITUTE
TAFE NSW Sydney Institute Design Centre, Enmore
WorldSkills History
Sydney Regional Competition 2007: Gold
National Competition 2008: Gold

How did you get into the industry?
Ever since a friend showed me a pair of earrings she beaded, my interest in jewellery has grown. Being interested in art and design, I started beading different bits and pieces for family and friends. One of my pieces was shown to a Jeweller in Beecroft who later contacted me and offered me work experience. I soon realised that jewellery design and manufacturing was for me.

Would you recommend a trade to others?
Absolutely, yes! For anyone who is interested in design, it is a great way to express
just how you’re feeling and when you see someone wearing one of your pieces as
you walk down the street it’s great feeling.

How has WorldSkills Australia helped you so far personally & professionally?
My hand skills have improved greatly and my confidence on the bench is definitely
increasing. Personally, I am now being recognised by a lot more people in the industry
which is really helpful. Making contacts in an industry such as jewellery is really important.

Would you recommend others participate in the WorldSkills Competitions?
Definitely, it was an absolutely amazing experience. Seeing so many other young
people so committed to their chosen trade was great. Talking to people with similar
interests to me and seeing them working away was really interesting.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I think that the most enjoyable thing about my job is the fact that I am doing something
new every day. I meet new people and learn different techniques on a daily basis.

What do you hope to achieve in both short and long terms of your career?
In the future I hope to travel to Italy to study for a couple of years then come back
and open my own jewellery studio, making one of kind, exclusive pieces.