A local TAFE NSW graduate Holly Oates has sharpened her floristry skills in preparation to step into a skills battlefield with his industry peers in Melbourne this month.

The 17-year-old Alstonville local said her anticipation was building after months of mentorship from her TAFE NSW teachers and guidance at her workplace.

“Ever since I did work experience in Year 10 at Alstonville Florist, I’ve known floristry is something I want to pursue. I’ve really enjoyed gaining hands on experience throughout my studies and in my day-to-day work, and am excited to be able to showcase my skills on the big stage soon,” Ms Oates said.

“It was my teacher who suggested I compete in WorldSkills, and I haven’t looked back since. The support from my teachers and fellow competitors has been invaluable. I recently visited TAFE NSW Tamworth for a training course which helped me hone my skills in cutting flowers, making decorative displays, and arranging bouquets, and I’ve also been working with my boss on different techniques.”

The WorldSkills Australia 2023 National Championships will see over 500 vocational students converge in Melbourne over three days with their eye on a coveted gold medal. Holly is one of many TAFE NSW students to be competing in the national competition.

WorldSkills hosts regional, national and international competitions which celebrate excellence and showcase vocational educational and training. Winners from the Nationals are in the running to be selected for the Australian Skillaroos team to compete against more than 75 countries. The international championships have run every two years since 1950.

TAFE NSW Executive Director Education and Skills, Dr Raf Marcellino, said: “WorldSkills is Australia’s largest vocational education and excellence competition.”

“These highly skilled students have earned the right to represent Australia after besting all other local talent at the regional WorldSkills competition in Sydney,” Dr Marcellino said. 

“The ultimate goal for Holly will be to win a gold medal, which could earn her a place on the Australian Skillaroos team to compete with the world’s best at the 47th WorldSkills International Competition finals to be held in France in 2024.” 

“WorldSkills competitions provide TAFE NSW students with amazing and life-changing learning opportunities. 

“WorldSkills creates an exciting, interactive, and engaging environment for participants. The WorldSkills competition lifts their experience beyond technical mastery to embrace important life-long skills that will help them succeed individually and provide Australia with a world-class skilled workforce.” 

The WorldSkills Australia 2023 National Championships will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 17-19 August.

Media contact: Emma Hughes, Communications Specialist, 0409 618 291, emma.hughes51@tafensw.edu.au