From cookery to the precision of patisserie, the 2025 National Championships & Skills Show is an all-access pass to the future of skilled trades. Visitors can witness live competitions, explore interactive workshops, and discover career-defining opportunities – all under one roof at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Whether you’re a tradie, an aspiring apprentice, or just love seeing craftsmanship in action, this is the place to get inspired, connect with industry leaders, and try out new skills. Come and be part of the audience of more than 20,000 people to watch which state can claim to have the best future tradie.
Explore, learn and try with WorldSkills Australia:
Explore – step into an immersive career’s expo like no other. The Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo brings careers to life with hands-on experiences, industry showcases, and expert insights to help you find your path.
Learn – Watch the nation’s best talent in action at the 2025 National Championships & Skills Show. Across up to 60 different skills and trades, competitors will showcase their expertise, proving why they’re the best of the best. Their dedication, precision, and drive will inspire the next generation of skilled professionals.
Try – ever wanted to test your skills? Try’aSkill lets you roll up your sleeves and give it a go. Get hands-on with a range of trade and skill-based activities, see what sparks your interest, and get a feel for real- world careers.
Can’t make it to Brisbane? Tune into Channel WSA
If you’re passionate about skilled trades but can’t be there in person, Channel WSA has you covered. It’s the go-to hub for competition highlights, industry insights, and a Medal Ceremony celebrating skills excellence from the 2025 National Championships & Skills Show.
Channel WSA:
Live competition coverage – get a front-row seat to intense skills battles, from welding and carpentry to electrical control and heavy vehicle technology.
Tips from the best – hear from industry pros, past champions, and training experts as they share real-world advice to help you sharpen your skills.
Career pathways and success stories – learn how the competition judges and past competitors have used WorldSkills to launch their careers and connect with industry leaders.
Follow Channel WSA on social media, subscribe on YouTube.
What is WorldSkills?
For more than 40 years, WorldSkills Australia has been inspiring and empowering young Australians to excel in their chosen trades. Through competitions, training programs, and industry collaboration, it helps build a highly skilled, innovative workforce while championing the value of vocational excellence. Since 1981, it’s supported more than 100,000 apprentices, trainees, and students in regional and national competitions – many of whom have gone on to represent Australia on the global stage. Its programs also address skills shortages, align with national workforce priorities, and reinforce Australia’s reputation for skills excellence worldwide.
Think you’ve got what it takes – Start your journey in 2026.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Every two years, over 500 WorldSkills Regional Competitions take place across 34 regions in Australia, testing the skills of more than 6,000 apprentices, trainees, and students. Medal winners from these one-day events have the chance to advance to the national level, with the best earning the opportunity to represent Australia internationally.
These competitions wouldn’t happen without the support of training providers, employers, local councils, industry leaders, volunteers, and sponsors – all working together to showcase and support the next generation of skilled workers.The 2026 competition cycle runs from February to October 2026, occurring in Training Organisations throughout Australia. While sign-ups aren’t open yet, now’s the time to start preparing for your chance to compete. Keep an eye out for upcoming regional events and get ready to put your skills to the test.
You’re a National Champion, What’s next? Global stardom via international dominance
WorldSkills International is the pinnacle of skills competition, where the world’s best apprentices and tradies come together to showcase their talent. WorldSkills is about setting global standards for excellence and proving that Aussie tradies are among the best in the world.
Why it matters
Every two years, competitors from 89 countries go head-to-head in over 60 skill categories. But WorldSkills isn’t just about medals – it’s about elevating the skilled trades, shaping industry standards, and opening doors to career-defining opportunities.
The road to Shanghai 2026
Australia is gearing up to send its top tradespeople to the 2026 WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai. Chosen from the medallists of the 2025 National Championships, the next Skillaroos will train for over 12 months, honing their skills to thrive and inspire in 2026. Competing at the international level is a game-changer – it’s a chance to understand new techniques and trends, gain industry recognition, expand career opportunities, and connect with the best in the world.
Why compete?
WorldSkills Australia isn’t just about competition; it’s about transformation. Participants gain experience, industry respect, and career-boosting opportunities.
Many former competitors have gone on to secure high-profile jobs, contracts, and leadership roles in their fields.
A global movement
Partnering with global organisations like UNESCO and the World Bank, WorldSkills plays a key role in strengthening vocational education and training worldwide. When you compete, you’re not just showcasing your skills – you’re helping to drive change on a global scale.
Abbey Kuhnell – Cookery
Medallion for Excellence – WorldSkills International Competition, Lyon 2024
Gold Medallist – 2023 National Championships
“A standout moment for me was getting to the Euro Expo in Lyon for the first time and seeing all the countries and competitors. I gained specialised skills that I wouldn’t necessarily gain from just working in a kitchen, such as learning how to make bread to working with a pastry chef one-on-one for a week just making desserts. I have found since returning from the competition I feel more confident handling new tasks that are given to me and I’m able to learn and adapt a lot quicker than before the competition and training.”
Elliana McRae – Restaurant Service
Medallion for Excellence – WorldSkills International Competition, Lyon 2024
Gold Medallist – 2023 National Championships
“My journey to representing Australia in Restaurant Service was one of hard work, passion and friendships. France was my first time travelling internationally and I was blown away at all that I gained from the experience. I not only got to grow and succeed alongside my fellow Aussies but deliver world-class service alongside 32 world class competitors.
“Restaurant Service is a beautiful skill which allowed me to take great pride each day on the competition floor dressed in my day specific outfit to fly the Australian flag and exchange stories with others about what home looked like for us. The camaraderie among the team is something that I will never forget, bonding over the time and love we put into our artistry even though our skills varied so much. This experience taught me so much about myself and the strength of those around me. My persistence throughout this journey is a reminder to myself in the hard times that I can do anything I put my mind to.