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    TAFE NSW Mount Druitt | 19 June 2025

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    TAFE NSW Mount Druitt talent takes bronze at prestigious WorldSkills competition

    “WorldSkills is more than a competition – it’s a celebration of vocational excellence, and an invaluable opportunity for students, like Samuel, Charlie and Callahan, to build their skills, confidence, and careers,”

    Chloe Read

    TAFE NSW Mount Druitt students competed at the WorldSkills Australia 2025 National Championships, held in Brisbane from 12–14 June.

    Samuel Shedden, who is completing a Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology, and Charlie Vella, studying a Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology, both took home bronze medals in their respective categories. Callahan Smith, who is completing a Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology, also competed and was awarded a Medallion for Excellence in the Light Automotive Mechanical category.

    The three-day event brought together Australia’s top emerging talent across more than 50 skill categories, with competitors tested under real-world, high-pressure conditions.

    Samuel and Charlie’s Bronze medals place them in contention for selection to the Australian Skillaroos team, which will compete against more than 80 countries at the WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai in September next year.

    Samuel Shedden standing behind a freshly painted car door in a workshop. The door features a black and green design with the Axalta logo.

    The students said it was an honour to compete at the National Championships and exciting to showcase their skills in front of thousands of spectators at the Brisbane Convention Centre.

    Nineteen-year-old Sam Shedden, a fourth-year student completing a Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology, described the competition as mentally challenging. “It was a great experience and a real test in staying composed under pressure,” he said. “Your nerves are high, especially with judges watching you. There's a lot of pressure, and you try not to compare yourself to others. Just because someone is ahead in the task doesn’t mean they’re doing a better job.”

    He added: “There was a lot of unique masking and design work involved, and we had to show our skills with multi-layered colour applications. The criteria was strict — for example, we had to blend colour on a guard panel within just 45 centimetres, keeping it within a tight tolerance.”

    TAFE NSW Managing Director, Chloe Read, said this is an incredible result for the students. “WorldSkills is more than a competition – it’s a celebration of vocational excellence, and an invaluable opportunity for students, like Samuel, Charlie and Callahan, 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: Karen Farrell, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000

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