The 2026 WorldSkills Team Australia Training Squad were given a warm welcome at Parliament House ahead of their journey towards Shanghai.
On 1 September, Parliament House played host as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Hon Andrew Giles Minister for Skills and Training welcomed the WorldSkills 2026 Team Australia Training Squad. The occasion marked not just the beginning of their preparation for the world stage, but also a national celebration of the nation’s vocational education and training (VET) sectors.
Prime Minister Albanese spent time with the competitors, listened to their stories, posed for photographs, and encouraged them as they set their sights on the 48th WorldSkills International Competition, to be held in Shanghai in 2026. His presence set the tone for a day that recognised the skills, dedication and ambition that make these young Australians critical to the nation’s future.
The meeting was followed by an official launch event inside Parliament House, attended by the Hon Andrew Giles MP, and WorldSkills Australia’s Patron Brendan O’Connor, along with nearly 200 people including Ministers of Parliament, government, education and industry. The event shone a spotlight on the 39 apprentices, trainees and young professionals, as well as 35 experts from across the country, who had earned their places through success at the 2025 National Championships in Brisbane.
Stories of opportunity and aspiration
The evening opened with an address by Rachel Crawford, a 2022 Skillaroo and the first Australian to join the WorldSkills Champions Trust representing ASEAN/Oceania. Crawford shared her journey, describing how the movement had given her opportunities beyond her imagination. Her story resonated strongly with the squad, many of whom are embarking on a similar experience.
Following this, Minister Giles congratulated the squad members on their achievements and highlighted the importance of the VET system in shaping Australia’s skills future. He also reaffirmed the Government’s support for WorldSkills Australia before being presented with a Team Australia jacket by two members of the Training Squad.
“I congratulate every member of the national training squad, who’ve already proven their success following their participation at the WorldSkills National Championships in Brisbane and are now looking to the global stage,” Giles said prior to the official event. “These rising stars represent just a snapshot of the incredible skill and dedication that is shown by apprentices, trainees and students right across Australia.”
Insights from the next generation
A panel discussion featuring members of the Skillaroo Training Squad offered a window into the experience of preparing for the world’s largest skills competition. Competitors spoke about the personal and professional growth they had experienced through WorldSkills programs. Many reflected on the intensity of the journey, the camaraderie built within the squad, and the expectations they carry.
The event was attended by many Members of Parliament from across the country, representing the electorates of the competitors themselves. Their presence underscored the national significance of the squad’s achievements. Brendan O’Connor, former Skills Minister and WorldSkills Australia Patron, who has been a long-time advocate for the movement commenting
“As WorldSkills Australia Patron I couldn’t be prouder of this amazing squad and wish them all the very best in their pursuit of competing in Shanghai, they elevate vocational education and training to its rightful place and are an inspiration to all who follow them.”
A memorable celebration
For WorldSkills Australia CEO Trevor Schwenke, the evening marked a milestone in celebrating the nation’s best emerging talent. He amplified the genuine excitement from the Training Squad in potentially representing Australia on the world stage, and emphasised the importance of the government’s support of the team.
“This was an outstanding event and a great honour to celebrate in Parliament House,” Schwenke said. “I want to thank Prime Minister Albanese, Minister Giles, the MPs who joined us, and all those who made the team’s visit to Parliament House such a memorable one.”
The event followed a four-day development camp designed to hone teamwork, resilience and high-performance skills – all critical elements of an international competition. A visit to the Australian War Memorial added another dimension, offering the group a chance to reflect on sacrifice and national pride, reinforcing the honour that comes with representing Australia.
Looking ahead to shanghai
Founded in 1981, WorldSkills Australia is a social enterprise dedicated to celebrating skills excellence and building a culture of vocational achievement across the country. Its mission goes beyond competition. By commissioning research, fostering industry and educational partnerships, and running leadership programs at every level, WorldSkills promotes skills as a cornerstone of both personal opportunity and national prosperity.
The organisation’s reach is global. Through WorldSkills International, Australia participates in competitions that bring together thousands of young people from more than 70 countries. In Shanghai in 2026, around 1,500 competitors will test themselves across more than 60 skill areas, from traditional trades to cutting-edge technologies. The event is not only about winning medals.
The countdown to September 2026 is already underway. The Skillaroo Training Squad will now continue months of training and preparation, balancing their everyday work and studies with the demands of international competition standards.
As the nation’s leaders, educators and industry partners made clear at Parliament House, their journey symbolises more than individual achievement. It represents a shared belief in the importance of skills to Australia’s economic resilience, innovation and global standing.
WorldSkills Australia has long argued that skills drive the future. With the next generation of champions now preparing for Shanghai, that future looks to be in capable hands.
Industrial members of national training squad
Additive Manufacturing: Aksel Van Gastel-Peck (Competitor) VIC and Vettrivel Chinnadurai (Expert) VIC.
Industrial Control: Tasman Henry (Competitor) QLD and Josh Kleinig (Expert) NSW.
Industrial Mechanics: Bailey Lowes (Competitor) NSW and David Baldwin (Expert) NSW.
Industry 4.0: Martin Cruz (Competitor) VIC, Felix McPhail (Competitor) VIC and Fengxian He (Expert) VIC.
Mechatronics: Joao Marcos Boulomtis Correa (Competitor) VIC, Arnold Shanahan (Competitor) VIC and Damien Sinclair (Expert) VIC.
Welding: Cooper Thornely (Competitor) ACT and Mark Williams (Expert) NSW.
