TeamWA Shines at WorldSkills Championships | Western Australian … – Government of Western Australia

by | Aug 28, 2023 | Engineer

The talent of Western Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector was on show in Melbourne at the 2023 WorldSkills National Championships.
TeamWA proved to be among the nation’s best in an incredible display of training and skills, with 26 medallists from WA announced at the closing ceremony on Sunday night – with 13 gold, seven silver and six bronze medals.
The WorldSkills National Championships are held every two years, showcasing the very best of Australian skills excellence and career pathways.
Almost 500 of the best trainees and apprentices from across Australia went head-to-head in high-pressure skills competitions and engaged with training organisations, employers and industry experts about the exciting opportunities VET can offer.
TeamWA had a total of 68 members – 46 open competitors and 22 VET in Schools (VETiS) competitors, highlighting a bright future for WA’s VET sector.
On top of the 26 medallists, a further 10 team members were awarded Certificates of Excellence, recognising outstanding performances in their competition skills.
WA Gold Medallists:
Two dedicated Western Australians were also acknowledged by WorldSkills Australia for their contribution to VET, with Keith Glenn (Refrigeration, South Metropolitan TAFE) and Mark Harper (Automotive, The Engineering and Automotive Training Council), inducted as life members.
This year there were four new categories, with Healthcare, VETiS Healthcare Assistance, Industry 4.0 and Additive Manufacturing.
A group of eligible top performers will be selected as Skillaroos, representing Australia at the international competition to be held in Lyon, France in September 2024.
Comments attributed to Training Minister Simone McGurk:
“The 2023 WorldSkills National Championships has been a wonderful showcase of talents in the VET sector.
“There is no doubt Western Australia is punching above its weight when it comes to
the calibre of our vocational training outcomes.
“It was a great team effort from Western Australia throughout the entire competition, winning medals in 16 of the 35 categories TeamWA competed in.
“The school-age competitors once again excelled, with 13 of the 22-strong cohort bringing home a medal or Certificate of Excellence.
“We are so incredibly proud of TeamWA and I am sure they will inspire many more young Western Australians to follow a VET pathway.”
The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.

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