You too, can become a Skillaroo
Congratulations to the eight TAFE NSW graduates who are currently representing Australia as part of the Skillaroos team at the WorldSkills International Championships in Lyon, France.
Would you like to become a Skillaroo? Whether your goal is to learn new skills, upskill in your current career, or represent your country as a Skillaroo, there’s a course at TAFE NSW for you.
“It's time. We’re taking on the world in France”
Along with 1,400 competitors from over 70 countries and regions, the Skillaroos are now competing at the WorldSkills International Championships in Lyon, France.
Explore the courses some of the Skillaroos studied at TAFE NSW, including: bricklaying, hairdressing, welding, beauty therapy, construction metal work, industrial mechanics, health and social care, and automotive technology.
Click here to stay updated with the live stream from the WorldSkills International Championships in Lyon.
Ross Colquhoun
Automotive Technology
Ross’s journey in Automotive Technology has led to a full time apprenticeship and now, to the international competitive stage of WorldSkills, thanks to TAFE NSW Coffs Harbour.
Jasmine Cecchini
Beauty Therapy
Jasmine has shown remarkable dedication to Beauty Therapy at TAFE NSW Wagga Wagga, completing her apprenticeship by the age of 21 and winning gold at the WorldSkills Australia National.
Ethan Everett
Bricklaying
Ethan credits his robust support network, including his family, employer and TAFE NSW Wollongong, for guiding him through the transition from school to his bricklaying apprenticeship.
Joseph Cramp
Construction Metal Work
Joseph has dedicated nearly all of his free time to honing his construction metal work skills– and with the support and insights of his mentors at TAFE NSW Moss Vale he feels ready for the challenge.
Hannah Gerritsen
Hairdressing
Hannah’s approach to hairdressing is rooted in genuine passion and practical experience. The support of her employer and TAFE NSW Wollongong West has been crucial to Hannah’s professional journey.
Neave O’Reilly
Healthcare
Neave’s journey began with a school-based trainee program in nursing in Year 11, which laid the foundations for the study at TAFE NSW Newcastle and the rest of her professional journey.
Michael Bowen
Industrial Mechanics
Michael’s first encounter with the world of Industrial Mechanics occurred at TAFE NSW Wollongong. From that initial moment, he developed a lifelong fascination with understanding how things work.
Harry Field
Welding
Harry has always had a natural urge to create things, trained in Welding at TAFE NSW Orange. Harry was named Young Tradesperson of the Year at the 2023 NSW and ACT Welding Excellence Awards.
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 2024 WorldSkills International Championships now underway in Lyon, France.
Learn moreFrequently asked questions
WorldSkills championships 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 championships 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 47th International WorldSkills Championships are currently underway in Lyon, marking France's second time hosting since 1995. Over 1,400 competitors from over 70 countries are competing in 59 skills.
Over 30 young men and women, dubbed the Skillaroos, are competing at this year’s WorldSkills International Championships. Eight of the 2024 Skillaroos team are TAFE NSW graduates. They are facing-off against the best apprentices, trainees and students from over 70 countries in the hope of becoming World Champions in their chosen trade or skill area.
The TAFE NSW competitors are representing Australia in Automotive Technology, Beauty Therapy, Bricklaying, Construction Metal Work, Hairdressing, Healthcare, Industrial Mechanics, and Welding.
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