St Clair apprentice Kynan Bonanno set to represent Australia 

Kynan has been handpicked to join the 2024 Skillaroos Training Squad after his impressive performance in the Automotive Refinishing category at the WorldSkills National Championships in Melbourne. 

The Motor Traders’ Association of New South Wales (MTA NSW) is thrilled to announce apprentice Kynan Bonanno has been chosen to represent the country at WorldSkills Lyon 2024, the 47th WorldSkills Competition, taking place 10-15 September 2024.

Hailing from St Clair, and a dedicated apprentice of MTA NSW, Kynan’s outstanding performance at the WorldSkills Australia National Championships in August secured his place as one of the country’s finest young talents in the automotive industry.

Ian Price, General Manager – RTO, MTA NSW, expressed his admiration and support. 

“We’re immensely proud of Kynan’s achievements and the calibre of talent our organisation helps to nurture,” he said.

“Just nine months into his first-year apprenticeship, Kynan won first place at the regional level and fourth place at the national level. This is a well-earned reflection on his incredible skillset, determination, and ability to act as a positive ambassador for the automotive industry,” continued Mr Price.

Kynan said that this journey is a result of hard work, dedication, and the ongoing support of MTA NSW.  “I’m honoured to represent Australia at the WorldSkills Lyon 2024 Competition and will give my all to make everyone proud on the global stage,” he said. 

“I’m looking forward to not only showcasing my skills but also being an ambassador for training in Australia, demonstrating the calibre of education and talent within our country.”

“I’ve had the privilege of learning from some of the best in the industry, and I owe a debt of gratitude to my trainers who have shared their expertise and guided me on this path.”

The Skillaroos will undergo rigorous training in preparation for the WorldSkills Lyon 2024 Competition, ensuring that Kynan and his fellow competitors are fully equipped to compete on the global stage.

Stavros Yallouridis, CEO, MTA NSW, congratulated Kynan on his achievement and the dedication shown by all MTA NSW apprentices. “Kynan’s success is a personal triumph while reinforcing our commitment as an organisation to shaping the future of the automotive industry,” Yallouridis said. “We’re incredibly proud of him and look forward to watching him shine on the international stage representing Australia.”

As part of MTA NSW’s support, the organisation is funding Kynan’s trip by covering the cost of his flights, accommodation, and training ahead of the event. 

MTA NSW was also a sponsor of last year’s WorldSkills Australia National Championships, which was the most significant trades and skills competition in Australia. MTA NSW had six skilled apprentices representing the organisation at the event. 

MTA NSW congratulates Kynan and all the apprentices who competed in the National Championships and looks forward to supporting the Skillaroos as they head towards the WorldSkills Lyon 2024 competition.