Media release

The students received their awards at the medal ceremony on Sunday in front of hundreds of vocational students from across the country.

Connor Beisler won gold in the baking competition, and was one of the 15 students from TAFE NSW Hunter campuses to represent the region at the national championships. He is studying a Certificate III in Baking.

“To take home the gold medal means everything. The hard work and dedication you must put into preparing for this competition, and the hours and sacrifices you make along the way, make it all worthwhile,” Connor said.

“The feeling of hearing my name called out as the gold medalist was surreal, and being presented with the award made me feel so proud of my efforts and the skills I have.”

“Our coaches always said, ‘Train hard, win easy’; and there’s no truer saying. The preparation and hard work I put in got me to this point and has created memories that will last a lifetime.”

The gold medalists are now in the running for a place on the Australian Skillaroos team, which will compete against more than 80 countries at the WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai in September next year.

TAFE NSW Managing Director, Chloe Read, said this is an incredible result for the Hunter students.

“WorldSkills is more than a competition – it’s a celebration of vocational excellence, and an invaluable opportunity for students to build their skills, confidence, and careers,” Ms Read said.

“This achievement demonstrates the life-changing impact of hands-on training and mentorship, and the vital role TAFE NSW plays in preparing the future workforce.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan congratulated all the medal-winning TAFE NSW students.

“These students are a credit to their communities and a testament to the quality of vocational education we’re delivering right across NSW,” Mr Whan said.

“TAFE NSW equips students with the practical skills and experience they need to thrive in the workforce – and their success on the national stage speaks volumes.”

Media Contact: Rob Virtue, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000.

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