Skillaroo team for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 officially announced

WorldSkills Australia has announced the team of 38 young apprentices, trainees and students who will represent the nation at the world’s biggest skills competition later this year.

The team – known as the Skillaroos – will compete against the world’s best at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, taking place from 22 to 27 September.

Supported by 34 Experts, who have overseen their training and preparation, along with six team officials, the Australian delegation will total 79 representatives – the largest in Australia’s history.

WorldSkills Australia CEO Trevor Schwenke said the Skillaroos team members have already proven themselves as the best in the country through our national championships, and now they are taking that talent to the world stage.

“We’re incredibly proud of the commitment the Skillaroos and their Experts have shown in preparing for this moment, and we’re excited to see them represent Australia in Shanghai,” he said.

Federal Minister for Skills and Training, The Hon Andrew Giles MP offered his congratulations to the 39 Australians named as part of our newest Skillaroo team.

“As Minister for Skills and Training, I couldn’t be prouder of the incredible skills represented across the squad.

“From carpentry to cyber security, hairdressing to health, and patisserie to plumbing, Australia is competing on the world stage to show off our skills.

“The Skillaroos are great role models for Australians young and old to see where a qualification in vocational education and training can take you – skills that leads to a great long-term career in the jobs that Australians rely on every day,” Minister Giles said.

More than 1,400 competitors from over 70 countries and regions will take part in WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 across 64 skill competitions, making it one of the largest global events celebrating vocational excellence.

Australia’s competitors will test their abilities against the world’s best emerging talent in fields ranging from traditional trades to advanced technologies.

“WorldSkills is about more than medals – it’s a chance to demonstrate the calibre of Australia’s apprentices, trainees and students alongside the best emerging talent from around the globe,” Mr Schwenke said.

“At a time when skilled workers are more important than ever to Australia’s future, it’s inspiring to see so many young people striving for excellence in their trades and technical careers.”

Selection for Team Australia follows a rigorous two-year journey through regional competitions across the country and the national championships, where the nation’s most talented apprentices, trainees and students earned their place on the world stage.

In addition to giving the Skillaroos a shot at gold, the competition offers Australia the chance to measure its vocational skills against the world’s best while showcasing the strength of the nation’s training system.

WorldSkills Australia thanks its government, industry and education partners who have supported the Skillaroos on their journey who have supported the Skillaroos on their journey to Shanghai.

Learn more about he Skillaroos team, including competitor profiles, here.