One day he is learning in his father’s business and the next he is representing Australia at the Olympics of trade skills.
For third year apprentice spray painter Kynan Bonanno it has been an exciting but arduous journey.
MTA NSW representative Kynan Bonanno is this week in Lyon, France competing against the world’s most skilled professionals at the 47th WorldSkills competition in the Car Painting category.
Taking place from 11-14 September, the event will see Kynan compete against some of the world’s most talented young apprentices.
Bonanno will pit himself against 23 apprentices from countries around the world, to achieve a flawless, showroom-quality finish under stringent competition standards.
The Car Painting category requires participants to restore damaged vehicles to pristine condition, with an emphasis on precision in matching colours, textures, and finishes.
But Bonanno has already shown himself up to the rigours of competition 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.
True artisan
In July he was also chosen as a finalist in the Apprentice of the Year category in NSW and has since undergone months of training to qualify him for the 2024 Skillaroos Training Squad.
Like the true artisan, Bonanno told NCR in May that his motivation came from the finished product and pursuing the perfect job.
“Some panel repairers talk about the feeling of a finished job but for a painter it’s even better, once you see a that shiny paint, it is something else,” he said while competing in Melbourne.
Bonanno works at Boxalls Automotive Industries in Pendle Hill, and says he has inherited a passion for automotive from his father who owns and runs Boxalls.
Now he will have to complete the work in a race against the clock under the eyes of a team of experts in line with WorldSkills International’s strict standards.
“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,” Bonanno says from France.
“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.”
Well supported
MTA NSW has ensured Bonanno is equipped to compete at the highest level and has covered the costs of his flights, accommodation, and additional training leading up to the competition.
MTA NSW Stavros Yallouridis, CEO says the industry body is excited to see its former student represent MTA on the world stage.
“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. We are incredibly proud of his accomplishments and excited to see him represent Australia on an international stage.”
The competition can be live-streamed via the WorldSkills website . Results will be announced and medals awarded at the event’s closing ceremony on 15 September