Australia Showcases Strength and Spirit at 3rd WorldSkills Asia Competition

Strong performance in Taipei builds momentum for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

Australia’s emerging trades and skills talent has returned home after a highly successful showing at the 3rd WorldSkills Asia Competition in Taipei, held from 27–29 November 2025.

A 33-strong delegation – including 16 competitors across 14 skills, 14 experts, a Technical Delegate and a Team Leader – attended the event as guests of the competition. While not eligible for medals, the Australian team delivered strong performances, gaining invaluable international competition experience as they prepare for potential selection in Team Australia for the WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai in 2026.

The Australian competitors, all members of the WorldSkills Australia National Training Squad, participated in a wide range of skills, including Autobody Repair, Bricklaying, Cooking, Cyber Security, Fashion Technology, and Mechatronics.

This year’s WorldSkills Asia Competition was the largest in the event’s history, bringing together 320 competitors from 28 countries across 40 official skills and four junior skills. The competition venue, the Nangang Exhibition Center, welcomed thousands of school students and spectators over three days of high-intensity competition.

Australian participants also took part in cultural and leadership activities, including a welcome event hosted by Taiwan’s Minister of Labor Hung Sun-han, meetings with fellow competitors and international experts, and a venue tour with Samuel Bullen, Executive Director of Economic and Policy at the Australian Office Taipei.

Although Australia’s results were not counted in the official standings due to guest status, the delegation’s performance would have achieved the equivalent of one silver medal, one bronze medal and one Medallion for Excellence.

WorldSkills Australia CEO Trevor Schwenke said the team had not only excelled in their respective fields but had represented Australia with professionalism, curiosity, and humility.

“Our competitors performed exceptionally well – not just in their skills, but in the way they conducted themselves as ambassadors for Australia,” Mr Schwenke said.

“They embraced the opportunity to learn from other nations, share culture and ideas, and form connections that will stay with them throughout their careers.

“This experience is vital as they prepare for the rigours of the global stage in Shanghai next year. Competing under international pressure, adapting to new environments, and testing themselves against world-class peers is exactly what will help them thrive in 2026.”

The 2025 event also featured the WorldSkills Asia Opening Ceremony, presided over by President of WorldSkills Asia Dr Mubarak Al Shamsi and Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-Te, and the Closing Ceremony attended by Premier of the Executive Yuan Cho Jung-Tai.

WorldSkills Australia’s participation underscores its ongoing commitment to developing world-class skills, strengthening global relationships, and showcasing the capability and potential of Australian vocational talent.