Former Orange TAFE student Clinton Larkings wins silver at WorldSkills championships

Mr Larkings represented Australia as a Skillaroo in the trade of Industrial Mechanics Millwright and won a silver medal, beating out some fierce competition from right across the globe.

He, along with 14 other young Aussie apprentices and tradespeople, have been in Kazan, Russia, for the past week competing in the 45th WorldSkills International Championships.

Crowds were upwards of 250,000 to watch talented young people from 66 counties compete for gold, silver and bronze medals and the title of world champion in their skill.

As a country, Australia placed eighth in the world overall.

Currently working at Luke Cross Engineering and Rigging in Dubbo, Mr Larkings can't believe his luck.

"This opportunity to me is very special as it has been a long journey and it's just coming to an end as a competitor," he said.

"I'm excited to have competed at the world stage against the world's best in my field and to see how my skills stacked up against the best in the world.

"I still can't believe a boy from the bush can have an opportunity to travel the world and compete against the best tradies in a job I love doing."