Programming Competition

Programming is all about creating software that solves the problems faced by a business. This software is created by Software Developers/Programmers who are responsible for interpreting the business’ requirements and build a program that fulfils their needs.

Typical software solutions will involve creating a single, holistic program (Windows desktop application) to replace a collection of inefficient solutions such as a series of Excel spreadsheets, Word documents and paper-based documents. A Developer will refer to a system specification that lists all the different sections/functions of the program and they will then start to plan and build their program.

The WorldSkills Australia Programming Competitions is designed to test Competitors’ skills and ability in a broad range of areas related to Programming.

YOU SHOULD PURSUE A CAREER IN PROGRAMMING IF YOU:

  • Are creative and enjoy designing and developing software
  • Enjoy computer technology
  • Have technical aptitude
  • Like problem-solving
  • Enjoy working in a collaborative environment

IT ALL BEGINS AT A REGIONAL COMPETITION

The WorldSkills Australia Programming Competitions begin at a grass roots level in one of 42 Australian regions. The Programming Regional Competitions test the skills and knowledge of 4000+ apprentices, trainees and students, who have the opportunity to win gold, silver and bronze medals and gain the chance to go on to compete at a national level.

WorldSkills Australia competitions operate on a two-year cycle. The next Programming Regional Competition rounds are now running across the country. 2023 and 2025 are the next National Championship years.

Register your interest to compete in Programming

Training Package Requirements

The WorldSkills Australia Programming Competitions are aligned to the National Information and Communications Technology Training Package.

Regional Competition

Training Package Requirements – Regional Level

The 2024 WorldSkills Australia Regional Competition for Programming aligns to the Units of Competency contained in the ICT40120 – Certificate IV in Information Technology (Programming Specialisation) Qualification.

Regional Tasks

The project will require the competitor to create a single application made up of multiple forms/sections, each handling a different area of functionality. The Competitor will be given a business scenario in which they will need to develop a holistic/integrated solution that satisfies the business requirements. The competition has been designed to use MySQL or SQL Server as the backend component. The front-end has been designed to use .NET or Java environments. The competitor will be required to design and create a Windows desktop application to meet the specified requirements.

The competition project is designed to test the Competitors skills in the following areas related to Programming:

  • Design and create applications
  • User experience
  • Database integration
  • Validation and error checking
  • Reporting
  • Integration
  • Communication and sales skills

Regionals Competition Duration

The competition is completed in 5.30 hours over 1 day not including briefing or breaks.

National Competition

Training Package Requirements – National Level

The 2023 WorldSkills Australia National Championships for Programming aligns to the Units of Competency contained in the ICT40120 – Certificate IV in Information Technology (Programming Specialisation) Qualification.

National Tasks

This National Competition is for developers to work on a given a business scenario in which they will need to develop a holistic/integrated solution that satisfies business requirements. The competition project is designed to test the Competitors skills in the following areas related to Programming:

  • Create tables: add, edit, delete, set properties
  • Check and define relational aspects: define relationships between tables/entities
  • Integrate data: import data from a variety of sources
  • Design and create a Windows desktop application to meet specified requirements (the front-end has been designed to use .NET or Java environment):
  • User experience
  • Database integration
  • Validation and error checking
  • Forms
  • Business logic
  • Reporting
  • Integration
  • Using communication and sales skills

Nationals Competition Duration

The competition is completed in 18 hours over 3 days not including briefing or breaks.

Find out about training options

myskills website is the national directory of Vocational Education and Training (VET) organisations and courses.

Learn more about this course by following this link Certificate IV in Information Technology

Register your interest to compete in Programming