Victoria's best apprentices and trainees are one step closer to taking their turn on the global stage, following the announcement of Australia's national training squad for the world's largest trades and skills competition.
Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney said 12 talented young Victorians will make up nearly one-third of the new WorldSkills Australia national training squad.
Over the coming year, the squad will undertake an intensive training program to prepare for the opportunity to represent Australia at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai in September 2026.
Victoria's national training squad members represent a wide range of vocational skills including carpentry, web technologies, electrical installations, floristry, cooking, restaurant service and additive manufacturing.
The Victorian apprentices and trainees were selected following their success at the WorldSkills Australia National Championships and Skills Show, held in Brisbane in June. These rising stars will now vie for a coveted spot on Team Australia - also known as the Skillaroos.
The Skillaroos will put their skills to the test and compete against more than 1,400 peers from over 60 countries in the prestigious WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai.
WorldSkills is an international trades and skills competition staged every two years that gives young apprentices, trainees and vocational students the chance to showcase their technical talents to the world.
The Allan Labor Government's continued investment in skills and training is making it easier for students to start a career in the trades, with Victoria's Free TAFE program offering pre-apprenticeship courses in priority areas such as building and construction, plumbing and electrotechnology.
To find out more about WorldSkills visit www.worldskills.org.au.
As stated by Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney
"This is a wonderful opportunity for these Victorians to take their training to the next level and showcase their world-class vocational skills."
"Our investments in Free TAFE and our world-class training system are focused on creating pathways to real opportunities and meaningful careers."
