WorldSkills Australia Launches 2026 Regional Competitions

WorldSkills Australia has launched the 2026 Regional Competitions marking the first step on the pathway that will see Australia’s best young trades and skills talent progress from regional competitions to the national stage – and ultimately for some, the world stage. 

Running from February to October 2026, the WorldSkills Australia Regional Competitions will be held right across the country, bringing together more than 7,000 apprentices, trainees and students to test their skills against industry benchmarks in real-world, high-pressure environments. 

The launch event, held at PEER Trade School in Albert Park, Adelaide, offered an early taste of the excitement of the WorldSkills program, ahead of the city hosting the 2027 WorldSkills Australia National Championships and Skills Show in June next year. 

WorldSkills Australia CEO Trevor Schwenke said the Regional Competitions are a critical foundation for Australia’s future skills workforce. 

“The Regional Competitions are where the WorldSkills journey begins. They identify emerging talent, lift standards across the skills training sector, and create a clear pathway from the classroom or workshop to the national and international stage,” Mr Schwenke said.

“With Adelaide set to host the 2027 National Championships, it’s fitting that the 2026 Regional Competitions are launched here, giving South Australia an early glimpse of the energy, excellence, and opportunity that WorldSkills brings.” 

South Australian Minister for Education Employment and Skills, the Hon Blair Boyer MP officially welcomed WorldSkills Australia to the state and said skills training is increasingly crucial in the context of a national skills crisis. 

“Elevating skills training is more important than ever, not only for young people but also for their parents and those around them who play an important part in influencing and encouraging them into careers where their skills are vitally needed,” Minister Boyer said.

“These regional competitions are where the rubber hits the road for young people embarking on skills careers. It sets them on the pathway to compete at the National Championships in South Australia next year, which we can’t wait to host.” 

Chair of the South Australian Skills Commission, Commissioner Cameron Baker said the government and the South Australian Skills Commission were working closely with WorldSkills and the skills sector more broadly to equip young people with the experience, knowledge and hands-on skills they need into the future.  

“It’s no exaggeration to say these competitions can be game changers for young people. Their first taste of competing in their chosen field at WorldSkills sets them on a pathway where they are seen, heard, supported, and their talents are fostered,” Commissioner Baker said.

“There is some amazing talent emerging from our schools too, and we look forward to expanding the number of competitions across South Australia, which we anticipate will result in the biggest-ever Team SA.” 

Held every two years, the WorldSkills Australia Regional Competitions will see apprentices, trainees and student across metropolitan, regional and remote Australia, participating in more than 700 competitions spanning more than 60 individual skill areas, including VET in Schools, aligned to national workforce needs. 

Federal Minister for Skills and Training, The Hon Andrew Giles MP said cities certainly do not have a monopoly on building Australians’ skills – the talent and the training we see in rural and regional Australia is incredible. It well and truly punches above its weight. 

 “The Albanese Government is proud to be supporting the work of WorldSkills Australia – important work that is seen not only at events like today’s, but throughout the year.” 

The 2026 Regional Competitions will feed directly into the 2027 WorldSkills Australia National Championships in Adelaide, where Australia’s top performers will compete for the chance to represent the nation internationally. 

“At a time when Australia is focused on building a stronger, more resilient skills sector, WorldSkills Australia is proud to play a vital role. The Regional Competitions are not just about medals – they’re about raising standards, inspiring the next generation and strengthening Australia’s future workforce,”  Mr Schwenke said.