The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre came alive in June with the beating heart of skills excellence in Australia. Trevor Schwenke, CEO, WorldSkills Australia, reports from the 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships.
As CEO of WorldSkills Australia, I am incredibly proud to have witnessed the 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships, our nation’s largest and most prestigious skills competition.
The event wasn’t just a competition; it was a celebration. It was a chance to see the very best of Australia’s young talent in action – 605 competitors across 63 skills, representing industries that keep our country moving forward: from engineering and construction, to hospitality, health, IT, and the creative industries.
The place to be
The National Championships is a vibrant, immersive showcase of the power and potential of vocational education and training that brings together school students, apprentices, vocational education students, educators, employers, industry leaders and government, creating a rare and exciting opportunity to explore career pathways and see live demonstrations of world-class skill.
Whether it’s students exploring their future, a parent or educator supporting young peoples’ choices, or an industry leader passionate about workforce capability, WorldSkills events provide the opportunity to see what excellence in skills training looks like up close. It’s inspiring, energetic, and the place to be.
This year’s Brisbane event held extra significance. The top-performing competitors will be selected to represent Team Australia at the 2026 WorldSkills International Championships in Shanghai, joining other member countries in a global showcase of talent and innovation.
Investing in the future
At a time when Australia faces a growing need for skilled workers across key sectors, events like this are vital. They help shift perceptions, build pride in trades and skills, and highlight the many rewarding careers available through vocational education pathways.
WorldSkills Australia is proud to be at the forefront of this movement. We believe in the transformative power of skills for individuals, for communities, and for the nation. The National Championships are proof of what’s possible when we invest in young people, and when we celebrate the value of learning by doing.
If you couldn’t make it to Brisbane, make sure you check out the results on Channel WSA or the WorldSkills Australia website.
On behalf of myself and WorldSkills Australia, our thanks to all involved.
To stay in touch with WorldSkills Australia, log on to worldskills.org.au.