Next Generation of Aussie Skills Talent Gears Up for World Stage

WorldSkills Australia announces national training squad ahead of Shanghai 2026

WorldSkills Australia has today announced the 39 rising stars who have been named in its national training squad — the first step toward selection for Team Australia, which will compete at the 48th WorldSkills Competition held in Shanghai, China, September 22-27, 2026. The squad includes high-performing apprentices, trainees and young professionals from every state and territory, who excelled at the recent WorldSkills Australia National Championships in Brisbane, earning medals across 35 different skill categories, ranging from carpentry and plumbing to graphic design, patisserie, cyber security and additive manufacturing.

Over the coming months, squad members will undertake an intensive training program. Those selected for the final team will represent Australia on the global stage in September 2026, competing against more than 1,400 peers from over 60 countries in the world’s largest skills excellence event. The announcement coincides with the launch of National Skills Week, an initiative that champions vocational education and highlights the critical role of skills-based careers in shaping Australia’s future workforce and economy.

The training squad will be officially launched at a special event at Parliament House in Canberra on September 1, attended by Minster for Skills and Training, the Hon Andrew Giles MP, Patron for WorldSkills Australia, former MP Brendan O’Connor, MPs, TAFE directors and other dignitaries. In the lead up to the event, the team will be attending a four-day team development camp to strengthen team bonds, train in high performance and resilience, and prepare for the honour and challenge of representing Australia on the world stage.

The Australian Government proudly supports the WorldSkills program, which plays a vital role in encouraging young Australians to pursue skills-based careers. With ongoing skills shortages across multiple sectors, events like the National Championships help to promote trades and training pathways as valuable, future-focused career options. First held in 1950, the WorldSkills International Competition aims to raise the profile of vocational skills worldwide, engaging young people, parents, educators and employers in the value of trades and technical education.

Quotes attributable to WorldSkills Australia CEO, Trevor Schwenke: “The talent on display at the National Championships was nothing short of extraordinary – a true reflection of the world-class skills that exist right here in Australia. These young people have proven themselves among the best in the country and now have the opportunity to show the world just how strong and competitive Australian skills excellence is. Behind every squad member is a dedicated trainer, mentor, and a VET system that equips young people with real-world skills and career pathways. WorldSkills is more than a competition – it’s a platform to showcase potential, elevate ambition, and celebrate the skilled professionals shaping Australia’s future. We’re incredibly proud to support this next generation as the take their first step toward the world stage.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Hon Andrew Giles MP: “I congratulate every member of the national training squad, who’ve already proven their success following their participation at the WorldSkills National Championships in Brisbane and are now looking to the global stage. These rising stars represent just a snapshot of the incredible skill and dedication that is shown by apprentices, trainees and students right across Australia – and showcasing to other Australians the endless possibilities that come from pursuing vocational education and training.”

Quotes attributable to WorldSkills Australia Patron and former Minister for Skills and Training, Hon Brendan O’Connor: “As WorldSkills Australia Patron I couldn’t be more proud of this amazing squad and wish them all the very best in their pursuit of competing in Shanghai. They elevate vocational education and training to its rightful place and are an inspiration to all who follow them.”