The Australian WorldSkills National Championships & Skills Show is underway, with apprentices from across the country competing to join the Skilleroos national team
Skills competitions play a vital role in filling skills gaps and shaping thriving future industries but are not well enough known, according to its international leader.
This was the message from WorldSkills International at the launch of the WorldSkills Australia 2025 National Championships & Skills Show in Brisbane today.
The national competition will run for three days (from June 12–15) at the Brisbane Convention Centre and host some of the finest trade-skilled apprentices across a wide range of disciplines. It will also determine the elite group who will represent Australia at the global event next year.
Punching above its weight
At a breakfast to launch the Brisbane event, the WorldSkills International CEO David Hoey praised Australia’s contribution to the international skills ecosystem and issued a challenge to do more.
“Australia punches well above its weight internationally. We have an outstanding qualifications framework, dedicated volunteers, and talented young people,” Hoey says.
“But we can go further – and the world is watching.”
Last year in Lyon, France, the global event hosted 66 countries across 67 skill categories, with 1,350 competitors at an event that is now recognised as the Olympics of skills.
Hoey says for many Australians, the competition remains a hidden treasure and getting it better known in workplaces and educational institutions was an important part of its role.
Why WorldSkills matters
Hoey says WorldSkills competitions raise the bar across vocational education, transforming competence into world-class excellence.
Beyond the medals, it’s a vehicle for national economic growth, workforce development, and global benchmarking.
Hoey cited research partnerships with institutions like Oxford University, RMIT (Melbourne), and Tampere University (Finland) have confirmed the measurable impact of WorldSkills on increasing the number of skilled young people.
They have also identified its role in improving vocational training standards; elevating employability and lifelong skills; driving innovation and productivity in industry along with enhancing economic performance and human development, he says.
Industry is key
Industry’s role in supporting the events and the competitors is central to WorldSkills’ success, Hoey says.
“Major global partners such as Festo, Samsung, Siemens, and Stanley Black & Decker support the movement not for promotion, but for impact.
“This isn’t a marketing exercise – it’s an investment in your future workforce.”
Hoey says in countries like Brazil, national VET systems use WorldSkills test projects to assess millions of students. Finland has increased vocational enrolments by showcasing the competition to school students. And in South Korea, WorldSkills champions receive presidential recognition and are seen as national heroes.
What’s next for Australia?
WorldSkills Australia is urging government, educators, and industry leaders to come together and seize the full potential of the WorldSkills platform.
“We have the ingredients. Now is the time to unlock our national potential. Let’s give every young Australian the chance to be world-class,” Hoey says.
As the world prepares for WorldSkills China 2026, Australia has a pivotal opportunity to grow its influence and uplift its next generation of tradespeople, technicians, and innovators.
Register for your free ticket to the Brisbane event here.
Prime Creative Media, the publisher of Earthmovers & Excavators magazine, is a proud media partner with WorldSkills Australia.
Can’t make it? Don’t miss the action
If you’re passionate about skilled trades but can’t be there in person, Channel WSA has you covered. It’s your go-to hub for competition highlights, industry insights, and a Medal Ceremony celebrating skills excellence from the 2025 National Championships & Skills Show.
On Channel WSA, you’ll find live Competition Coverage, tips from industry pros, past champions, and training experts as well as career pathways & success stories from judges and past competitors. Follow Channel WSA on social media, subscribe on YouTube, and don’t miss a moment of the action.
For more information about how to get involved, partner, or attend upcoming events, visit: www.worldskills.org.au