TAFE NSW Beauty Therapy graduate Charlotte Fleming will compete against the nation’s best young beauty therapists for a chance to represent Australia in a national skills competition next month.

The 17-year-old Camden local was selected to compete in the National WorldSkills Championships in Beauty Therapy after winning the Sydney regional competition earlier this year. 

Charlotte said that her anticipation is building after months of mentorship from her TAFE NSW teachers. She completed a Diploma of Beauty Therapy and Diploma of Business at TAFE NSW Ultimo, with plans to open her own beauty and makeup business one day.

“I’ve always been interested in makeup and beauty therapy so when I finished Year 10, I decided to pursue training at TAFE NSW. It’s been the best decision – I wouldn’t be where I am today without the training, and I am over the moon to be competing in the national WorldSkills competition,” Ms Fleming said.

“Even though I’ve already finished my course, my teachers have been helping me prepare and practice my skills in makeup application, facial treatments, and lash and brow treatments. I’ve also been developing my skills in my day-to-day job working in customer service with cosmetics – so I’m feeling pretty confident.

“I’m really looking forward to testing my skills on the big stage. All of the practical training and support I’ve received from my teachers has geared me up for the competition and I’m ready to make the most of it.”

The WorldSkills Australia 2023 National Championships will see over 500 vocational students converge in Melbourne over three days with their eye on the coveted gold medal. 

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 skilful 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 Charlotte will be to earn a place on the Skillaroos team representing Australia at the WorldSkills Competition in France next year.

“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.

There are thirteen students from TAFE NSW Ultimo who are competing in the National WorldSkills Championships. To arrange interviews and imagery, please contact the TAFE NSW Media Team.

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