December 2015: Year in review

It is at this time of year, as we rapidly approach the holiday season, that we all take stock of the year that has gone before us. As I write this and think back on 2015, I can’t help but feel very proud to be the CEO of an organisation that provides incredible, life changing opportunities to the many young Australians who have taken up the challenge of skills excellence.

With the tremendous support of Government and industry partners, the training sector and the many passionate and dedicated WorldSkills Australia volunteers, aspiration met opportunity as we uncovered the next generation of trade and skills talent across the country through the 2015 WorldSkills Australia Regional Competitions. In August, we had the honour of witnessing the 2015 Skillaroos take on the world at the 43rd WorldSkills Competition in São Paulo, Brazil.

The exceptional young men and women that rose to the challenge of competition in 2015 – from the competitors at the regional level through to the Skillaroos – proved once more the value of Australia’s world-class vocational education and training system. You are perfect examples to all Australians of what can be achieved via a VET pathway. You are the now and the future of Australia.

To everyone associated with WorldSkills Australia, I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe holiday period. I look forward to seeing you all in October for the 2016 WorldSkills Australia National Competition, Melbourne.