A team of more than 50 West Australians will compete in the event, which gives apprentices, trainees and Vocational Education and Training students the opportunity to test their skills against others in their industries.

Mr Florisson – who has undertaken his apprenticeship with Esperance Smash Repairs – was selected for the WA team after displaying his skills at the State competition.

He was required to show precision in colour matching, spray painting and the applying of a decal during the round.

“We basically just have to do everything to do with the trade,” he said.

“Then one person from every state was chosen to go to the nationals.”

This is not the first time Mr Florisson has been recognised for his ability as a vehicle painter.

Last year, he was named the Esperance Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Apprentice of the Year.

“I like what I do,” Mr Florisson said.

“I’m passionate about cars and Esperance Smash is a good business to work for.”

Esperance Express graphic design apprentice Jon Nagle also competed in the State competition and returned home with a bronze medal.

“I had a day to design a four-page catalogue,” he said.

“I was pretty surprised to get a place.”

Mr Nagle said an apprenticeship was a great way to learn the skills of his trade.

“I get to learn while I work,” he said.

“There’s a lot more hands-on experience.”

If Mr Florisson succeeds on the national stage, he will then have the opportunity to compete in the 2011 International WorldSkills competition in London.

Trades represented at WorldSkills range from floristry to heavy vehicle mechanics.

“I’m pretty excited to be going,” Mr Florisson said.