What is WorldSkills Australia?

At WorldSkills Australia, we want one thing: for young Australians to have access to vocational education and training that measures up on an International stage.

Why? Because we know that skills and trades are critical for building thriving economies, productive communities and confident young members of society. We know that skills excellence opens up career pathways and opportunities for our young people and we know that skills and trades shape the world around us.

The main way we support skills excellence in Australia is through our skills competitions – which we’ve been running for over 40 years. Skill competitions happen at a Regional, National and an International level, and allow young people to benchmark their skill level against their peers.

The Pathway to Excellence

Competitors who excel at a Regional Competition can earn a place at the WorldSkills Australia National Championships, where thousands of spectators gather to watch the nation’s top trades and skills talent in action. From there, outstanding performers may even be selected for the prestigious Skills Squad — an opportunity to travel the world and compete against the very best in global skills excellence.

What are skill competitions?

Skill competitions are an opportunity to test your skills and knowledge in your chosen field against your peers.

You’ll first participate in a Regional Competition, usually held at your school or registered training organisation, and test your skills against others in your region. If you perform well at the Regional Competition, you may spend the next several months training for the National Championships – an exciting, three-day competition where Regional winners from all across the country meet up to compete, network and learn. From there, National Medallists may be invited to train for the International Competition. The WorldSkills International Competition runs every two years in a different host Country, that sees the very best skills talent from all over the world compete over four days.

If you progress to the International Competition, you’ll be part of an elite group known as the ‘Skillaroos‘ – a team of up to only 40 competitors selected to represent Australia on the world stage. Regardless of your final result, competing internationally opens doors to incredible opportunities when you return, including scholarships, mentorships, and ambassadorships that can elevate your career and broaden your future pathways.

You’ll also:

  • Have the opportunity to network with leaders in your industry
  • Acquire valuable skills in time management, leadership and attention to detail
  • Gain access to media training, brand building support and PR opportunities
  • Become better and faster at your skill – WorldSkills alumni overwhelmingly report that training for competitions significantly improves the accuracy, speed and quality of their work
  • Have the opportunity to represent your state on the National stage
  • Have the opportunity to represent your country on the Global stage
  • Make new friends, travel and expand your ideas of where your trade can take you

  1. Regional Competitions

    • Regionals are one day competitions that take place in 34 regions across Australia through out the year.
    • Over 67 skills including VET in Schools competitions
    • Medalists may be selected to compete at the National Championships
    • Any apprentice or trainee student can enter

  2. National Championships

    • A 3-day championship benchmarking skills
    • Over 60+ skill categories
    • 600 competitors representing all States/Territories under one roof
    • Approx. 35,000 visitors over 3 days
    • Partnering with a careers expo
    • Try a Skill Activities
    • A competitor at the National Championships should not be older than 24 years

  3. Australian Skills Excellence Forum

    • 2 day forum
    • Small group technical upskilling
    • Brand & Professional growth conference
    • Approxoimately 150 youth participants

    Global Skills Challenge

    • 4 day simulated international competition
    • 600 Participants
    • International teams from multiple member countries competing in 33 skills

  4. International Competition

    • Global Competition
    • 12 month training
    • 4 day competition
    • 1,500 competitors representing 89 member countries
    • International benchmarking opportunity
    • Entry eligibility 22 years or younger & 25 years or younger for some skills

Start Your Journey

Competing in a WorldSkills competition opens up pathways you never even thought possible. Get started on your journey today by contacting your local Regional Coordinator.

Find your region