Harvey’s own Lewis Italiano given medallion for excellence after WorldSkills performance

Harvey’s Lewis Italiano was awarded a medallion for excellence at the WorldSkills competition in France at the weekend, putting on a cabinet-making show for the judges.

Mr Italiano travelled to Lyon as one of 32 Australians representing the nation at the WorldSkills 2024 competition.

From September 11-14, he faced off against more than 20 competitors from across the world in a 22-hour cabinet-making showdown.

Competitors finished their projects on Saturday, with winners announced at the closing ceremony the following day.

Jing Jia from China, Elmar Wyrsch from Switzerland and Paul Dejeux from France took home silver — forgoing any bronze medallists — and Chinese Taipei’s Yun-Rong Tsai took home gold.

Despite not making it on to the podium, Mr Italiano’s efforts did not go unnoticed.

He was one of seven competitors awarded a medallion for excellence for those scoring 700 or more points, but not earning gold, silver or bronze.

Out of the 32 Australian’s, 15 were awarded medallions of excellence.

In a social media post about Mr Italiano’s success, a spokesperson from WorldSkills Australia gave kudos to his medal.

“With the support of the Government of Western Australia and training at South Regional TAFE, Lewis has transitioned from dairy farming to excelling in cabinet-making at Studio Milton,” they said.

“His dedication and passion, nurtured by his expert Nick Johnston, have led to this impressive international achievement.”