WorldSkills Australia 
WorldSkills Australia 2024 Skillaroos shine bright in front of international crowds in Lyon, France
A team of 32 talented young Australian apprentices, trainees and young professionals – known as the Skillaroos – recently made the journey to Lyon, France to compete in the 47th WorldSkills Competition at the Eurexpo competition site. With 1,400 competitors from close to 70 countries across 59 skills including floristry, mobile robotics, welding, wall and floor tiling, cyber security and fashion technology (to name a few), the energy was electric.
The Skillaroos and Team Australia did a tremendous job in the competition winning one Bronze medal, and fourteen Medallions for Excellence. The Medallion for Excellence signifies that the recipient has achieved a standard that represents excellence in their skill. It also recognises the remarkable accomplishments of the competitors and their dedication to achieving skills excellence, while reinforcing WorldSkills’ mission to promote and nurture the finest young talent. There is also an award for Best of Nation, Australia awards this to the Skillaroo with the highest individual score.
Overall, the experience gained from the competition is one that Team Australia will carry with them for a lifetime. The challenges they faced, the skills they honed, and the camaraderie built throughout the event will not only shape their professional development but also left lasting memories of their journey toward excellence. This unique experience has enriched their careers, fostered personal growth, and solidified their place as future leaders in their respective fields.
| Skill: | Name: | Result: | State: | TAFE/RTO | Employer: | Expert: | Supported By: |
| Welding | Harrison Field | Bronze | NSW | TAFE NSW | AOK Fabrications | Mark Williams | TAFE NSW, Australian Steel Institute, Outsource Institute, Weld Australia |
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Industry 4.0 | Disha Anchan | Medallion For Excellence | VIC | RMIT University | – | Anu Mehta | TAFE Victoria |
| Randy Gunawan | Medallion For Excellence | VIC | RMIT University | – | Anu Mehta | TAFE Victoria | |
| Plumbing & Heating | Sebastian Battista | Medallion For Excellence | VIC | Gippsland TAFE | Battista Plumbing | Patrick Keating | TAFE Victoria, Reece |
| Beauty Therapy | Jasmine Cecchini | Medallion For Excellence | NSW | TAFE NSW | Circa 1929 | Naomi Zadow | TAFE NSW |
| Automobile Technology | Ross Colquhoun | Medallion For Excellence | NSW | TAFE NSW | A1 Mobile Mechanical Services | Kirk Trease | TAFE NSW |
| Hairdressing | Hannah Gerritsen | Medallion For Excellence | NSW | TAFE NSW | Belinda’s Hair Creations | Donna Demaria | TAFE NSW |
| Wall & Floor Tiling | Jacob Dixon | Medallion For Excellence | WA | North Metropolitan TAFE | Next Level Tile and Stone | Liam Cochran | Government of Western Australia |
| Bricklaying | Ethan Everett | Medallion For Excellence | NSW | TAFE NSW | City Bricklaying | Andrew Hosking | TAFE NSW, Cement Australia |
| Graphic Design Technology | Nellie Holder | Medallion For Excellence | VIC | Swinburne University of Technology | Miciu Pty Ltd | Brendan Hibbert | TAFE Victoria |
| Cabinetmaking | Lewis Italiano | Medallion For Excellence | WA | South Regional TAFE | Studio Milton | Nick Johnston | Government of Western Australia |
| Painting & Decorating | Antoinette Jackson | Medallion For Excellence | WA | MPA Skills Maylands | Bob the Painter Albany | Steven Baliga | Government of Western Australia, Monarch |
| Cooking | Abbey Kuhnell | Medallion For Excellence | QLD | TAFE QLD | Bridgewater Q | Ianthe Smith | Queensland Government, VETASSESS |
| Refrigeration & Air Conditioning | Bailey Loenneker | Medallion For Excellence | QLD | TAFE QLD | Alwayscool Air Conditioning & Refrigeration | Carl Balke | Queensland Government, Refrigerant Reclaim, Australian Refrigeration Council, Kirby |
| Restaurant Service | Elliana McRae | Medallion For Excellence | QLD | TAFE QLD | Queensland Legislative Assembly | Deborah Smith | Queensland Government |
| Jewellery | Mitchell Rigney | Medallion For Excellence | WA | North Metropolitan TAFE | Georgies Fine Jewellery | Jyothi Collins | Government of Western Australia, Palloys |
| Automobile Technology | Ross Colquhoun | Best of Nation | NSW | TAFE NSW | A1 Mobile Mechanical Services | Kirk Trease | TAFE NSW |
Australia came 14th out of 59 countries in the member results table by Total Points Scored.
The vibrant city of Lyon hosted this year’s exciting international event. WorldSkills Australia CEO Trevor Schwenke recently said, “The atmosphere at the 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon has been absolutely electrifying. Witnessing the world’s finest talents showcase their skills at Lyon’s premier venue, Eurexpo has been a highlight. However, the true pinnacle of our experience came when our Skillaroos brought home a Bronze medal, Best of Nation, and 14 Medallions for Excellence, bringing the Lyon event full circle.”