Global Skills Challenge

More than a competition: A showcase of skills

Australia’s top young apprentices, trainees and vocational students, known as the Skillaroos, are finalising their preparation ahead of the WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai this September.

Representing Australia across 33 skill categories, the squad of 37 Skillaroos will compete in areas including cyber security, cloud computing, plumbing, hairdressing, welding, industrial mechanics, and automotive refinishing. Their journey reflects the strength of Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) system and the importance of a skilled workforce. 

The team recently completed a major milestone in their preparation by competing in the Global Skills Challenge in Wollongong (held 24-28 June 2026).The challenge brought international opponents to Australia for a full‑scale simulation of the international competition by recreating the high-pressure, technically demanding environment they will face in China. Competitors were able to refine their techniques, and benchmark their performance against global peers, giving them a taste of what's to come in Shanghai.

The Global Skills Challenge also delivers valuable insights into emerging international training standards, which inform Australia’s skills policy and system design.

For many competitors, the Global Skills Challenge was the closest experience to the pressure and pace of the world championships before stepping onto the competition floor in Shanghai.  

The Challenge delivered a strong performance from Australia’s Skillaroos and reinforced Australia’s reputation for skills excellence with:

  • 7 gold medals won by Australian competitors
  • 17 medals in total, placing Australia 1st on the overall medal tally followed by Korea and China
  • Edie Thurtell (Northern Rivers, NSW) was awarded Australia’s Best in Nation for his outstanding performance in Automobile Technology, achieving the highest overall score for Team Australia.

With 16 countries, 160 competitors and 253 experts, team leaders and officials, coming together for the Global Skills Challenge, WorldSkills is more than a competition – it's a celebration of collaboration, camaraderie and the shared passion that unites the global skills community.

Skillaroos competing in Industry 4.0 at the Global Skills Challenge in Wollongong.

Skillaroos competing in Industry 4.0 at the Global Skills Challenge in Wollongong.

The department’s contribution to the VET sector

The Skillaroos’ achievements are a direct reflection of the department’s work to strengthen the VET sector and support national workforce priorities. Australian Government initiatives are aimed at building a strong, future‑ready workforce, such as:

  • The National Skills Agreement, which strengthens TAFE capability and industry partnerships
  • Free TAFE, expanding access to high‑quality training in priority areas
  • Jobs and Skills Australia, providing evidence and analysis to guide workforce planning, and
  • Industry‑TAFE partnerships, ensuring competitors train with the same technologies and tools used internationally.

These initiatives ensure the Skillaroos and those undertaking a VET qualification have access to advanced equipment, specialist coaching, and training environments that mirror global competition standards.

The Skillaroos’ performance on the world stage reinforces the value of this work and showcases Australia’s commitment to excellence in skills development.

With only months to go, the Skillaroos are finalising their technical preparation, building mental resilience, and drawing on the support of their coaches, industries, and training providers. When they take the world stage in Shanghai, they will carry with them not only their own dedication and talent, but the collective effort of the Australian Government, TAFEs, industry partners, and the broader VET community.

Their journey is a reminder of the critical role skilled workers play in shaping Australia’s economic future and a moment of pride for everyone contributing to the nation’s skills system.

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Correct at time of publication.