Meet the WorldSkills Champions Trust representatives for 2023 to 2024: Mihle Mvelakubi
Recently elected as a 2023 to 2024 Worldskills Champions Trust representative, Mihle Mvelakubi, who competed in Bricklaying at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, answered our questions. The Champion owns a Bricklaying company in South Africa and also works as a course facilitator at a TVET* college. Mihle’s motto in life? “If you have a skill, you will never go hungry.”
Why did you apply to become a WorldSkills Champions Trust representative? How did it feel to be elected?
I applied because I wanted to develop my leadership and management skills, and grow personally and professionally. I started Bricklaying at a very early age. I grew up building things, then went to a TVET college and attended the WorldSkills Competition, where I gained more knowledge and experience. My role as a Champions Trust representative allows me to continue on this learning journey. Being elected was one of the most exciting and amazing moments of my life.
What does the WorldSkills movement mean to you?
WorldSkills represents the world. Everywhere, skills are in demand: WorldSkills enables people to showcase their skill, and brings them to young people so that they can learn. I think this is the best platform for one to grow, and learn from different people from all over the world. It also gives us the opportunity to network and share our knowledge with each other.
“Skills are the future. Get into it and learn a skill.”
What is your advice to current Competitors and how do you wish to inspire them as a WorldSkills Champions Trust representative?
Be positive, never give up, and have faith in what you do. The Competition is not easy, it takes dedication and commitment, you need to make sacrifices if you want to achieve something. I encourage current Competitors to believe in themselves and trust the process. The only way for me to inspire people is by being myself and by sharing my story.
What would you say to a young person hesitating to enter a skill-based education and training path?
Don’t hesitate. Skills are the future. Get into it and learn a skill.
Do you have a favorite WorldSkills memory, an anecdote to share?
My favorite WorldSkills memory is the countdown at the end of the WorldSkills Competition 2017 in Abu Dhabi. Those last 60 seconds when all the crowds from all over the world were watching us perform, and those last moments when every Competitor was having that “hyper” energy to complete their structure while everyone was shouting and celebrating their achievements. It was unforgettable.
*TVET = Technical and Vocational Education and Training
