Kynan Bonanno represents NSW at WorldSkills

VEHICLE spray painter and MTA New South Wales apprentice Kynan Bonanno is in Lyon, France preparing to compete against the world’s most skilled professionals at the 47^th WorldSkills competition.

Alongside mechanical apprentice Ross Colquhoun, Mr Bonanno will compete against some of the world’s most talented apprentices in Lyon, lining up against as many as 23 automotive refinishers striving to achieve a flawless, showroom-quality finish under stringent, competition conditions.

The Car Painting category requires participants to restore damaged vehicles to pristine condition, with an emphasis on precision in matching colours, textures, and finishes.

As with other Australian WorldSkills entrants, Mr Bonanno has been undergoing months of rigorous training in the lead up to the competition, ensuring they are fully equipped to compete on the global stage.

“The preparation for WorldSkills Lyon has given me the opportunity to train with products that I haven’t used before, and allowed me to build connections in the industry,” said Mr Bonanno.

“I’m excited to experience a new country, and for the insights and learnings I’ll gain from the participants from different parts of the world.”

During the competition, Mr Bonanno will race against the clock to complete his project within a dedicated time frame before a team of experts evaluates his work in line with WorldSkills International’s strict set of standards.

All champions will then be announced and awarded their medals at the event’s closing ceremony on 15 September.

Passionate about nurturing the talent of up-and-coming automotive professionals, MTA NSW has ensured Mr Bonanno is equipped to compete at the highest level, covering the costs of his flights, accommodation, and additional training leading up to the competition.

“Kynan’s journey to WorldSkills Lyon 2024 is an example of how top-tier training is an asset to the future of the automotive industry,” said MTA NSW chief executive officer Stavros Yallouridis.

“We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and excited to see him represent Australia on an international stage.”

Mr Bonanno was selected for the 2024 competitive after his impressive performance in the Automotive Refinishing category at the WorldSkills National Championships in Melbourne, where he secured first place at a regional level and fourth place at the national level.