Through WorldSkills, the next generation of skills in bakery and patisserie is shaping the future of the food and beverage industry.
Across Australia, the demand for skilled talent has never been greater. Every industry, from food and beverage manufacturing to health, hospitality and emerging technologies, is grappling with how to attract, train and retain the people who will drive the future. Recognising this, WorldSkills Australia’s mission is simple: to inspire, develop and celebrate skills excellence.
One of the ways the organisation achieves this is through its competitions. This year’s National Championships & Skill Show brought together more than 35,000 visitors to watch apprentices and tradespeople compete for the top titles. The event, held from 12 to 14 June, placed a national spotlight on Australia’s next generation of skilled professionals, offering a platform to showcase the career possibilities within the vocational education and training (VET) sector.
Out of more than 600 competitors, only a select few were able to take the top titles and secure a place to represent Australia at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai in 2026, which is expected to feature 1,300 competitors from across the globe. Across 35 skill categories, including Restaurant Service, Baking, Cooking and Patisserie, the 2026 Team Australia Training Squad was officially congratulated by prime minister Anthony Albanese at Parliament House on 1 September.
With close to 200 leaders from government, education and industry in attendance, the spotlight was on 39 apprentices, trainees and professionals, along with 35 dedicated experts from across the country. Each earned their place after excelling at the 2025 National Championships & Skills Show in Brisbane. In the food and beverage category, two competitors stood out for their talent and determination: baker Connor Beisler and pastry chef William Nickl.
Fostering generational talent
Bringing a competitive spirit and a family legacy to Skillaroos Training Squad is Beisler. Baking runs in his family, now in its third generation. Based in Dungog, New South Wales, Beisler works at the family-owned Beisler Barrington Bakery, where he honed his craft. In 2024, he was named the Baking Association of Australia’s Apprentice Baker of the Year and secured victory against New Zealand at the ANZBake competition.
At the 2025 WorldSkills National Championships, Beisler took home gold in the Baking category. Contestants were challenged to bake croissants, baguettes, brioche and sweet doughs to strict time limits, with judging based on quality, weight and consistency. Over three days, competitors worked under pressure to demonstrate precision, creativity and technical excellence.
“When I started entering bread baking competitions, I quickly realised how much I loved it. WorldSkills was definitely the pinnacle,” said Beisler. “The long hours of training and lack of social life are sacrifices well worth it.”
He credited his mentor, Dean Tilden, and his family for their constant support, describing their guidance as crucial to his success.
Another standout member of the Skillaroos Training Squad is Nickl, an apprentice pastry chef continuing a generational gold medal run in patisserie that began with his father and brother. Working at Gumnut Patisserie, Nickl trained rigorously to create a variety of patisserie items, including cakes, miniature desserts, chocolates and marzipan figurines, all built around the theme Jungle Safari. His centrepiece, a 60-centimetre showpiece made from chocolate, captured the judges’ attention.
“I trained every day for six months before school. I did ten full-time trials to ensure I was ready,” said Nickl.
His winning creation – a giraffe eating a flower – achieved a score of 99.61 points. For Nickl, the competition was not only about technique but also personal growth. What was valuable to him was the skills he learned from extensive preparation including time management, resilience, organisation and discipline. He credited his mentor, Dammika Hatharasinghe, for helping him remain focused and calm under pressure.
Elevating national skills through Team Australia
According to WorldSkills Australia, the success of the National Championships & Skills Show was made possible through the support of partners, volunteers, training organisations and educators from across the country. By nurturing skills that build careers and communities, the organisation plays an essential role in supporting Australia’s workforce resilience and innovation.
Since 1981, WorldSkills Australia has worked to build a skills culture across industries. Its mission extends beyond competitions, focusing on raising the profile of trades and vocational skills, empowering young Australians and strengthening pathways into careers. The 2026 Training Squad represents the next wave of Australian expertise – a group of young professionals who will showcase their skills on a global stage while promoting the value of trades and technical education.
Beyond competition, WorldSkills fosters international collaboration and excellence through real-world challenges assessed against global standards. Competitors benefit from ongoing development and mentorship, including workshops, bootcamps and one-on-one coaching with national experts.
For rising stars like Beisler and Nickl, these opportunities are transformative. Their success demonstrates how skill, training and passion can open doors across the food and beverage industry. Through their achievements, they not only elevate their craft but also help shape the future of Australia’s culinary and baking landscape.
In the future, Beisler wishes to travel overseas and learn from master bakers. After honing his skills, he plans to run the family business, sharing his knowledge and teaching the next generation of bakers. Similarly, Nickl aims to speak at schools to inspire others about trade while continuing to elevate his skills in pastry.
As the countdown to Shanghai 2026 begins, the next generation of Australian talent is already hard at work, preparing to represent the nation’s best on an international stage. From the heat of the kitchen to the precision of the bakery, WorldSkills continues to show that Australia’s future workforce is built on creativity, resilience and a shared commitment to excellence.