- Go to homepage
- Partnerships
- WorldSkills AU
The Rising Stars of Skills
The countdown is on! Our Rising Stars of Skills are gearing up to represent NSW in the Skillablues team at the WorldSkills Australia National Championships in Brisbane, 12–14 June 2025. This is Australia’s biggest event for vocational excellence and a chance for over 100 of our students and graduates to shine on the national stage. Whether your goal is to learn new skills, upskill in your current career, or represent your state as a Skillablue, there’s a course at TAFE NSW for you.
TAFE NSW Skillablues
Emma Joy
Business Services
Emma appreciates the variety of Business Services and has enjoyed the mental challenges she faces everyday whilst studying at TAFE NSW Muswellbrook.
Holly Oates
Floristry
Holly's journey began with a School Based Apprenticeship & Traineeship in Floristry, which laid the foundation for her studies at TAFE NSW Ultimo and the rest of her professional career.
Matthew Vardanega
Fitting
Matthew discovered an affinity for steelwork in school, which led him to study Fitting at TAFE NSW Orange. After securing 3rd place in the 2023 competition, Matthew is now aiming for gold in Brisbane.
Paige Barcham
Nursing
Paige enjoys the problem-solving and high-pressure environment required in Nursing. She credits her teacher and mentor at TAFE NSW Ballina for providing her with the knowledge and skills to advance her career
Raven Pyda
Carpentry
Raven has always had a natural inclination to create, which has driven his studies in Carpentry at TAFE NSW Miller. He is now completing his apprenticeship and is ready to go for gold.
Zoey Barlow
Painting and Decorating
Zoey believes that the secret to success in Painting and Decorating lies in the prep work. The support from Zoey's employer and teacher at TAFE NSW Maitland have been crucial to Zoey's success.
You too, can become a Skillablue
Explore the courses some of the Skillablues studied at TAFE NSW, including:
Supporting the next generation of industry experts
WorldSkills Australia competitions give TAFE NSW students a platform to showcase their expertise, set standards for industry excellence, and advocate for skills development pathways, both at home and internationally.
Competitions are held at a regional, national and international level, with the next WorldSkills Australia National Championships taking place 12–14 June 2025 in Brisbane.
Frequently asked questions
WorldSkills competitions provide young Australians aged 23 and under the opportunity to compete against their peers in their chosen trade and fast track their skills and career development. Regional, national and international competitions are held over a two-year cycle.
Founded in Spain in 1950 by Francisco Albert Vidal, WorldSkills grew into an international movement by 1958, aiming to enhance vocational training and promote economic growth.
The competition will take place in Brisbane from June 12–14, 2025, and the Medal Ceremony is on June 15, 2025.
Over 100 young men and women, dubbed the Skillablues, will represent New South Wales at this year’s WorldSkills Australia National Championships against the best apprentices, trainees and students from around Australia in the hope of becoming National Champion in their chosen trade or skill area.
The TAFE NSW competitors will be representing New South Wales in a range of skills including carpentry, painting and decorating, hairdressing, nursing, fitting, sign writing, business services, commercial cookery and floristry.
The 48th International WorldSkills Competition will be held in Shanghai, China, from 22-27 September, 2026..