WorldSkills winners announced for 2025

HOSTED this year by the Queensland Government and TAFE Queensland, the 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships and Skills Show was held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) from 12-14 June 2025.

The competition and awards event assesses the nation’s 600 best young apprentices and trainees from more than 60 skill categories including a transport and logistics grouping that comprised: automotive electrical, autobody repair, automotive mechanics, automotive refinishing, heavy vehicle mechanics, motorcycle mechanics, and automotive services.

With high demand for automotive technicians, the WorldSkills competition celebrates upcoming talent as it readies to bolster the industry.

Australia has been experiencing one of the longest standing trade skills shortages with demand for skilled technicians remaining steady for close to two decades, according to the NSW Productivity Commission.

As the need for qualified technicians continues, a pipeline of skilled apprentices is required to future-proof the industry.

Attracting thousands of visitors, this year’s WorldSkills competition proved to be a high-energy celebration of vocational excellence – shining a national spotlight on the vital role trades and skills play in Australia’s economic future.

WorldSkills Australia CEO Trevor Schwenke said the show helped in raising the profile of vocational education nationally.

“This has been one of the biggest and best National Championships in our history, and a true celebration of what’s possible when young people, educators, government, and industry come together to back skills,” he said.

“Brisbane was an incredible host and it was fantastic to walk the floor and witness the outstanding level of competition, as the nation’s best young skills talent gave it their all.

“Their passion was inspiring and I’m sure many visitors are now considering where a vocational career could take them.”

Queensland minister for finance, trade, employment and training Ros Bates was also celebrating its success.

“I thank all whose collective effort ensured the tremendous success of this event- further elevating the status of training and skills nationwide,” he said.

“I congratulate our latest medallists and all competitors who gave up their free time to hone their skills, and who put themselves forward to compete at the highest level, on the country’s biggest skills stage.”

The competitive part of the show saw New South Wales crowned the overall winner, topping the medal tally with outstanding results across multiple categories.

Competitors who excelled in WorldSkills-recognised international categories should start honing their skills as they may now be selected to join Team Australia (“The Skillaroos”), representing the nation at the 48th WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai, 2026.

Last year NSW mechanical apprentice Ross Colquhoun placed fifth within his category at the 2024 competition, the 47th WorldSkills Championships in Lyon, France.

As one of only two Australian competitors to finish within the top 10 of their chosen profession, Mr Colquhoun scored an impressive 731 points in the hotly contended Automobile Technology category.

Top honours and medal tally: