Alumnus Lewis Italiano Returns to Mercy to Inspire Students

It was wonderful to welcome back Lewis Italiano, Class of 2021, to Our Lady of Mercy College recently.

Since graduating, Lewis has built an impressive reputation as a cabinetmaker through his apprenticeship, establishing himself as one of the world’s standout young tradespeople. His achievements include winning Gold in Cabinetmaking at the 2023 WorldSkills Australia National Championships, followed by representing Australia at the international WorldSkills competition, where he earned a Medallion for Excellence.

In 2025, Lewis’ skill and commitment to his trade were recognised when he was named Western Australian Apprentice of the Year.

Speaking with our students, Lewis shared his journey from school into the trades, including his experiences as an apprentice, the opportunities he has taken on and some of the challenges along the way.

His story is a great reminder that there is no single pathway to success. For our students, exploring different career options, gaining workplace experience and finding a trade they are passionate about can lead to opportunities they may never have imagined.

Thank you, Lewis, for coming back and sharing your story with our students. It was fantastic to see how far one of our graduates has come and to hear where his skills and determination have taken him.