The Andrews Labor Government has secured hosting rights for the nation’s largest trades and skills competition, reinforcing Victoria’s reputation as the skills and training capital.
Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney today announced Victoria will host the WorldSkills Australia National Championships in Melbourne in 2023 – with regional competitions to begin across the state this year.
WorldSkills is the nation’s largest trades and skills competition and gives hundreds of apprentices, trainees and students (including VET in Schools participants) the chance to showcase their talent across more than 50 disciplines including carpentry, hairdressing, cyber security and health services.
There will be a special focus on school-aged participants through the VETiS (VET in Schools) competitions, supported by the Labor Government’ $277.5 million investment in the Victorian Budget 2022/23 to deliver the biggest reform to the senior secondary system since the VCE’s inception – setting young Victorians up for brighter futures.
From 2023, the new VCE Vocational Major and Victorian Pathways Certificate will replace the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) – with more VET pathways giving every student the chance to do an apprenticeship or traineeship in an in-demand trade while completing their schooling.
National winners will join the Skillaroos team and represent Australia at the international WorldSkills competition in France in 2024.
WorldSkills Australia National Championships began in 1982 and is held biannually – with Victoria last hosting in 2016.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has made a record $3.2 billion investment to rebuild TAFE and support universities and higher education to ensure Victorians have access to high quality education and rewarding career pathways.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Gayle Tierney
“Victoria is the skills and training capital – so it’s no surprise that we will be hosting the next WorldSkills Australia National Championships, celebrating apprentices, trainees and students from Victoria and across the nation.”
“Our TAFE and training system is producing world-class workers and I’m looking forward to seeing them shine and showcase their skills on a national and international stage.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Education James Merlino
“This is the Olympics for VET – I’m thrilled that talented Victorian school students will be able to showcase their skills, reinforcing our investment in better VET and career pathways for kids across the state.”
Reviewed 22 May 2022