And that’s a wrap!

The 2014 WorldSkills Australia National Competition was held in Perth from 18- 20 of September at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. The major event saw almost 500 of Australia’s most talented trade and skill technicians representing 49 specialised skill categories at what is known as Australia’s largest trade and skill competition.

This is the only event on the national events calendar which brings together such a diverse range of professions under the one roof including automotive services, building and construction, computing and business, client services and hospitality services industries.

It takes an army of people to deliver WorldSkills Australia’s flagship event, in addition to our competitors there were also approximately 300 industry professionals who volunteered their time to judge the competition and 200 volunteers who assisted WorldSkills Australia in delivering the event.

The 2014 WorldSkills Australia National Competition showcased the skills of Australia’s best young Vocational Education and Training (VET) students, apprentices and trainees. Each of the national competitors earned their position to compete on the national stage after their medal winning performances in the 2013 round of regional competitions held across the 30 WorldSkills Australia regions.

Over three days, the competitors battled it out for the prestigious title of ‘Nation’s Best’, as well as the chance to become a 2015 Team Australia Skillaroo. The 2015 Skillaroos will be heading to Brazil to represent Australia and their industry at the 43rd WorldSkills International Competition in São Paulo in August 2015.

The event, which takes place every two years, attracted thousands of spectators over the three days who watched on as the competitors put their skills to the ultimate test. In addition to the competition itself, WorldSkills Australia hosted its largest ever Try’aSkill program, which allowed visitors to engage with trades and skills in a hands-on way. There were over 40 Try’aSkill activities and demonstrations on offer which provided people with the opportunity to try their hand at everything from welding a joint and restoring a car body to mastering a braid and designing a logo.

It is estimated that the National Competition attracted an economic impact of approximately $15 million dollars to the City of Perth which included over 4000 bed nights, approximately 1350 return flights from every corner of Australia to and from Perth and over  21,000 meals. In addition to the economic benefit of the National Competition, there was also the intangible benefit of providing a truly unique and interactive forum for the thousands of students and the general public which showcased the diversity and opportunities available in Australia’s vocational education and training sector.

To view video highlights, imagery and the results from the 2014 WorldSkills Australia National Competition visit the WorldSkills Australia website.

The announcement of the 2015 Team Australia Skillaroos will be in next year, stay tuned via the WorldSkills Australia website and SkillNews for further information.

WorldSkills Australia would like to thank all of our partners, supporters and our dedicated family of volunteers for their dedication and commitment to supporting Australia’s future leaders. Our success is their success.

23/09/2014