Australia’s WorldSkills campaign has moved into full swing, with the official announcement of the nation’s 2026 international team coinciding with the launch of a new cycle of regional competitions across the country.
WorldSkills Australia has unveiled a 38-strong contingent – known as the Skillaroos – that will represent the nation at the 2026 global competition in Shanghai. Drawn from the country’s best apprentices, trainees and students, the team will be supported by 34 experts and six officials, taking the total delegation to a record 79 people.
The competition, to be held from September 22–27 in Shanghai, will bring together around 1,400 competitors from more than 70 countries across 60-plus skill categories, ranging from traditional trades – including automotive – to advanced digital technologies.
Representing the automotive trades will be Jack Richards (autobody repair) from Sydney Classic Car Restoration, Coonabarabran; Samuel Shedden (car painting) from Parramatta Smash Repairs; Edie Thurtell (automobile technology) from Tweed Heads MyCar Tyre & Auto; and Lachlan Wright (heavy vehicle technology) from Volvo Commercial Vehicle, Brisbane.
While the Skillaroos prepare for the international stage, the next generation of competitors is just beginning its journey. WorldSkills Australia is continuing its 2026 Regional Competitions, which will run from February through to October in 34 regions nationwide.
More than 7,000 participants are expected to compete in over 700 events, making the program one of the largest grassroots skills initiatives in the country. The competitions span more than 60 skill areas and are designed to mirror real-world industry conditions, giving competitors the opportunity to benchmark their abilities against national standards.
The regional contests serve as the entry point to the WorldSkills pathway, with top performers progressing to the 2027 National Championships in Adelaide. From there, the strongest competitors will be selected for future international teams.
WorldSkills Australia CEO Trevor Schwenke said the regional competitions are critical to building the country’s skills pipeline, providing a platform for young Australians to test themselves and connect with industry.
Together, the dual activities highlight both ends of the WorldSkills spectrum – from elite competitors preparing to take on the world, to thousands of apprentices and students taking their first steps in competitive skills development.
With skills shortages continuing to challenge multiple industries, including nearly all automotive related trades, the program also reinforces the growing importance of vocational training in strengthening Australia’s workforce and global competitiveness.