The World Comes to Newcastle in July

Newcastle will become a global centre for skills excellence in July when the city plays host to the WorldSkills Australia Global Skills Challenge – a four-day training exercise for young people from 15 nations to showcase their skills. The 2017 Global Skills Challenge is a simulated international competition where representatives will compete as part of their training across 20 skills in the lead-up to the 44th WorldSkills International to be held in Abu Dhabi in October.

For the 20 young Australians taking part in the four-days of competition this is the final selection process to determine their place as a Skillaroo and represent Australia at the WorldSkills International Competition, said WorldSkills Australia CEO Brett Judd.

“Our Skills Squad team members will be going all out, as they demonstrate that they have what it takes to be named a member of the 2017 Skillaroos.”

To be held from 5-8th July at TAFE NSW Newcastle, Hamilton, and Glendale as well the WesTrac Training Facility in Tomago, the Global Skills Challenge is being supported by TAFE NSW and Newcastle City Council.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Skills John Barilaro said the event highlights just how much can be achieved with a trade or skills-based career.

“In my capacity as Minister for Skills I have the privilege of seeing the dedication and passion of students pursuing careers through VET, and the WorldSkills competition is a great way for our young tradespeople to showcase their efforts,” Mr Barilaro said.

“The competition also shines a light on important skills such as painting and decorating, fashion technology, beauty therapy and hairdressing – skills that Australians rely on every day.

“I am proud to say that TAFE NSW has always played a critical role in skilling our young people and is a natural choice to support and host this prestigious international event.”

During the Global Skills Challenge there will be 300 competitors, experts and delegates from:

Each person participating during the four days has to complete a set project, using where possible the competition project that will used at the WorldSkills International Competition in Abu Dhabi.

“By running the Global Skills Challenge as close as possible to the Abu Dhabi competition , the event provides an ideal opportunity to hone skills and ensure the Australian team is in the best possible position to take out medals later this year,” said Mr Judd.