Australia’s largest skills and trades showcase, the 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships & Skills Show, wrapped up in spectacular fashion on 14 June.
Drawing record crowds of more than 35,000 attendees, the 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships & Skills Show celebrates the craftsmanship and unity of the nation’s best young apprentices and trainees.
Held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from 12 to 14 June, this year’s event brought together more than 600 competitors from around the country. The competitors went head-to-head in more than 60 skill categories, ranging from cyber security and cabinetmaking to cookery, floristry, and plumbing.
The 2025 gathering was one of the largest National Championships in WorldSkills Australia’s 44-year history, described as a high-energy celebration of vocational excellence. Through the awards, the WorldSkills program continues to shine a light on the vital role trades and skills play in Australia’s economic future.
Trevor Schwenke, CEO of WorldSkills Australia, celebrates the championships and emphasises the record-breaking event.
“This has been one of the biggest and best National Championships in our history and a true celebration of what’s possible when young people, educators, government, and industry come together to back skills,” says Trevor.
“Brisbane was an incredible host. It was fantastic to walk the floor and witness the outstanding level of competition, as the nation’s best young skills talent gave it their all. Their passion was inspiring and I’m sure many visitors are now considering where a vocational career could take them.
“We’re grateful to the Queensland Government, TAFE Queensland, our partners, and the entire Brisbane community for embracing this event and helping us raise the profile of vocational education nationally.”
Top honours and medal tally
After three days of fierce competition, New South Wales was crowned the overall winning state, topping the medal tally with outstanding results across multiple categories.
The Best of Nation award went to Lily-Grace Toohill of Victoria in the Jewellery category, who was recognised as the highest-performing competitor across all categories.
VETiS Shield – NSW was awarded Best Performing State for Vocational Education and Training in Schools, while Evatt Shield – Melbourne East Region was awarded Best Performing Region.
Competitors who excelled in WorldSkills-recognised international categories may now be selected to join Team Australia (The Skillaroos), representing the nation at the 48th WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai, China, in 2026.
A showcase of skill, dedication, and possibility
Hands-on Try’aSkill stations proved a major drawcard for students, families, and career seekers at the three-day event. Thousands visited the co-located Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo, connecting with training providers, industry leaders, and employers.
International interest was also strong, with more than 60 Asia-Pacific delegates visiting as part of a global knowledge exchange hosted by TAFE Queensland. Representatives from China and Timor-Leste also took part in the competition as special international guests, highlighting the global collaborative spirit of the program.
Hon Ross Bates MP, Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, outlines the significance of the event for the national economy.
“I congratulate our latest medallists and all competitors who gave up their free time to hone their skills, and who put themselves forward to compete at the highest level, on the country’s biggest skills stage,” says Ross.
“This major event has also been welcomed by our tourism and hospitality operators-with the event injecting millions into the local economy.”
“I thank WorldSkills Australia, TAFE Queensland, expo exhibitors, and all whose collective effort ensured the tremendous success of this event – further elevating the status of training and skills nationwide.”
For more information, visit worldskills.com.au
This article appears in the August 2025 edition of BeanScene. Subscribe HERE.
