News

Calling all 2011, 2013 and 2015 Skillaroos!
WorldSkills Australia is seeking Skillaroos from 2011, 2013 and 2015 to represent Australia at the 2016 WorldSkills Champions Forum (WSCF) in Canada this October. Held at Niagara Falls from 2-6 October and held in conjunction with the 2016 General Assembly,…

WorldSkills Australia competitors named as regional finalists for the Queensland Training Awards
Queensland tradies continue to impress as four WorldSkills Australia competitors are named as regional finalists for the 2016 Queensland Training Awards. Amongst the talented young people up for the Harry Hauenschild Apprentice of the Year award are 2014 National gold…
The heat is on: National competitors train for their shot at greatness
With just four months to go before the 2016 WorldSkills Australia National Competition, Melbourne, competitors from across the country are hard at work training for their shot at greatness this October. Several training days have been held over the past…
Brett Judd announced as new CEO of WorldSkills Australia
The Board of Directors of WorldSkills Australia today announced the appointment of Brett Judd as the new Chief Executive Officer of WorldSkills Australia. “We are delighted to welcome Brett Judd to WorldSkills Australia,” says Chair Brian Wexham. “Brett brings a…

Nation’s top fridgies win big at National Refrigeration Competition
After three intense days of competition, the winners of the 2016 WorldSkills Australia National Refrigeration Competition were all smiles as they received gold, silver and bronze medals: GOLD MEDALLIST Nathan McHugh Brisbane Region TAFE Queensland SkillsTech SILVER MEDALLIST Hayden McColl…

Message from the CEO: Industry can be VET’s greatest champion
We are almost halfway through the year and the 2016 WorldSkills Australia National Competition, Melbourne is only five months away. I am excited to see what over 500 of the nation’s best young apprentices, trainees and students bring to the…

2016 Ern MacDonald Fellowship: Who came out on top?
History was made last month as two extraordinary young people were announced the joint winners of the 2016 Ern MacDonald Fellowship. WINNERS: Sharlene Kidd, Perth North Region Peter Ives, Hunter Region RUNNER-UP: Sam Glisson, Ballarat Wimmera Region FINALISTS: Harley Clements,…
In Memoriam: John Kuilart
It is with deep sadness that we advise that WorldSkills Australia trainer/mentor for Refrigeration, John Kuilart passed away late last week at the age of 62. Those of you that knew him would know how passionate John was in his…

Competitor Spotlight: Mitchell Cummins
Apprentice metal fabricator and WorldSkills Australia competitor Mitchell Cummins is an ideal example of how a little bit of support goes a long way to revealing a young person’s potential. Despite a long-held interest in working with metal, the outgoing…
WorldSkills Australia florists make ‘gloriosa’ showing at Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show
The 2016 Melbourne International Flower & Garden (MIFG) Show was a busy event for some of WorldSkills Australia’s resident florists. National competitors Chevonne Nicholas and Elizabeth Lilburn presented on stage with fellow student Ellie Feery and their training provider, Marjorie…
Skills Village: WorldSkills Australia’s one-stop career shop
Attendees of the 2016 WorldSkills Australia National Competition, Melbourne will now have a unique opportunity to discover the world of career opportunities available through VET at the inaugural Skills Village. The Skills Village is a one-stop career shop: People of…

VET FEE-HELP scheme: Can it be fixed?
Senator the Hon Scott Ryan, Minister for Vocational Education and Skills has commenced a series of national consultations to discuss recommended reform of the VET FEE-HELP scheme to be established in 2017. In a media release published 4 April[1], Senator…

International Women’s Day
Year after year, we have the pleasure of working with amazing apprentices, trainees, students, experts and mentors from over 50 trades and skills. Seven extraordinary young women defined talent and created history at the 43rd WorldSkills Competition in São Paulo,…

Competitor Spotlight: Melinda Lethbridge
If drive and determination are indicators of success, then apprentice CNC machine setter / programmer Melinda Lethbridge is a force to be reckoned with. Hailing from Croydon, the 23 year old fitness buff has her father to thank for her…

Young jewellery competitor shines at Australian Jewellery Fair demonstration
Visitors of the Australian Jewellery Fair enjoyed a special presentation as regional gold medallist Chloe Biddiscombe wowed the crowds with a live demonstration of her skills. Chloe’s demonstration at the fair was part of her training in the lead up…

Young cabinetmaker receives World Wood Day honours for second year running
By: Steve Bulman Young Australian cabinetmaker, Kate Elstone has received yet another invitation from the International Wood Culture Society (IWCS) to represent Australia and WorldSkills Australia in the International Young Adult Furniture Making Invitational (IYAFMI) to help celebrate World Wood…

Axalta to sponsor Vehicle Painting category at National Competition
Axalta is the Principal Category Partner supporting the Vehicle Painting category at the 2016 WorldSkills Australia National Competition, Melbourne. Axalta is a leading global company focused solely on coatings and providing customers with innovative, colourful, beautiful and sustainable solutions. From…
Australia’s best young tradespeople gearing up for their shot at greatness at Australia’s ultimate skills showdown
In eight short months, the next generation of apprentices, trainees and students will face the ultimate challenge as they compete against the nation’s best at the 2016 WorldSkills Australia National Competition, Melbourne. Over 500 competitors from across the country will…

Regional winners prepare for Australia’s ultimate skills challenge
For over 3,600 young hopefuls across the country, 2015 was the year that aspiration turned into opportunity as they took a chance to compete at the WorldSkills Australia Regional Competitions. Whether they were encouraged by their lecturer or followed in…

Message from the CEO: Opening the door to potential
Happy New Year! 2015 is well behind us, and we’re looking forward to an exciting year as we prepare to welcome over 500 young apprentices, trainees and students who will compete at the 2016 WorldSkills Australia National Competition, Melbourne on…