2024 Global Skills Challenge Concludes

CAMARADERIE AND NATIONAL PRIDE SHINE AS 2024 GLOBAL SKILLS CHALLENGE CONCLUDES

The 2024 WorldSkills Australia Global Skills Challenge has concluded, with Australia’s Skillaroos putting in a strong performance that saw them awarded seven gold medals and finishing second in the overall medal tally.

138 competitors from 17 countries took part in the four-day event, which was designed to simulate the conditions of the International Competition and allow competitors, experts, and other support team members the opportunity to meet ahead of Lyon 2024.

29 skills were assessed, covering all categories that WorldSkills promotes, with events being held across several Melbourne TAFE campuses.

Australia’s 32 Skillaroos competed, with 15 receiving medals for their outstanding efforts. The team’s performance put it second place in the overall medal tally, sitting just behind Chinese Tapei (16 medals)).

Ethan Everett, from Illawarra (NSW), was awarded Australia’s Best in Nation for his standout performance in Bricklaying as the highest overall score for Team Australia.

The medals were presented at a formal Closing Ceremony, which was attended by all competitors and their official delegations, senior Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Government representatives, WSA partners, and guest of honour, the Ambassador of France to Australia, Pierre-André Imbert.

WorldSkills Australia CEO, Trevor Schwenke, says the event was a resounding success, with foreign visitors experiencing what Victoria’s VET sector and TAFE campuses have to offer.

“Touring the event sites, the spirit of competition was only outmatched by the sense of camaraderieand collaboration between nations. Seeing officials and competitors mingling, discussing how they approach their skill back home is what it’s all about,” Mr Schwenke said.

“Our Skillaroos performed extremely well under competition conditions and showed why they were selected to represent Australia at the upcoming WorldSkills International Competition in Lyon. With so many receiving medals, we can’t wait to see how they do on the world stage.

“Australia has a truly world-class skills training sector, which produces a talented, passionate, and professional workforce. Our mission is to help support the sector to grow and show young people how far they can take their careers when they focus on skills excellence, and the Global Skills Challenge was an important – and successful – platform in achieving that.”

WorldSkills Australia thanks the Victorian Government and its partners for their support of the Global Skills Challenge.