Fitter and machinist Tyler Gordon has received an Australian Overseas Foundation scholarship to undertake specialist engineering training in Sweden, with further industry visits planned in Germany.
WorldSkills medallist Tyler Gordon has been awarded an international scholarship to develop his precision engineering skills in Europe. Gordon works for T-bone Shipwrighting in Coogee. The Australian Overseas Foundation (AOF) named Gordon among its 2026 scholarship recipients, with his overseas training scheduled to begin in February 2027. A qualified fitter and machinist, he specialises in custom manufacturing and precision machining, combining traditional techniques with computer-aided design and manufacturing technologies, known as CAD/CAM.
Recognition At The WorldSkills Championships
Gordon represented Sydney in Turning at the 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships, held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from 12 to 14 June. He received a Medal for Excellence in the category, which involves machining materials into components that meet precise dimensions and specifications. More than 600 competitors took part in over 60 skills categories during the three-day event, with New South Wales finishing at the top of the overall medal tally.
Gordon’s achievement followed his participation in the NSW WorldSkills competition, where the AOF identifies him as a state champion in mechanical engineering. His official national competition record confirms his Medal for Excellence in Turning.
Engineering Training Planned In Sweden And Germany
Gordon is scheduled to begin his European training at Spuhr i Dalby AB in Löddeköpinge, Sweden, where he plans to work alongside company founder Håkan Spuhr. The manufacturer specialises in precision-engineered firearm mounting systems. During the proposed placement, Gordon intends to learn more about advanced machining processes, specialist manufacturing equipment, production techniques and quality assurance practices.
According to the Foundation, Gordon hopes to develop his technical knowledge by observing international engineering methods and applying relevant experience to his work in Australia. Following the Swedish placement, Gordon plans to travel to Nuremberg, Germany, for IWA OutdoorClassics, an international trade exhibition covering hunting, target sports and related outdoor industries.
Scheduled for 4–7 March 2027, the exhibition will bring together manufacturers, suppliers and industry specialists. Gordon is also exploring visits to other European manufacturers, although those arrangements have not been finalised.
The Australian Overseas Foundation provides international professional development opportunities for eligible apprentices, trainees and recently qualified tradespeople. Its scholarship selection criteria include technical achievement, workplace readiness, leadership and proposed overseas learning objectives.
AOF chair Norm Lyons acknowledged Gordon’s technical ability and commitment to developing his trade skills. Gordon’s proposed programme will focus on specialist manufacturing practices in Sweden, followed by industry engagement in Germany.
Published 30-October-2026
