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Record-breaking opening day sets scene for skills festival

The 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships & Skills Show got underway yesterday at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, smashing a remarkable first-day attendance record.

More than 11,500 students, families, and visitors thronged the venue, eager to support more than 600 talented competitors from all states and territories.

“Day one of the Championships has exceeded all expectations — the energy on the competition floor is incredible, and the turnout from students, families, and industry has been inspiring,” WorldSkills Australia CEO Trevor Schwenke said.
“You can feel the pride and passion in every corner of this event.

The massive Brisbane event undergoes last minute preparation. Image: PCM

“It’s clear that Queensland has embraced this event wholeheartedly. We’re proud to work with the Queensland Government and TAFE Queensland to shine a light on the power of vocational education and the vital role skilled professionals play in our future workforce.”

The bustling atmosphere was filled with excitement as attendees enjoyed three days of intense competition across more than 60 skill areas, including electrical, cabinetmaking, tiling, and plumbing.

Queensland’s Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Minister Ros Bates opened the event engaging with Team Queensland members who shared their experiences and insights into how vocational training paves the way for successful careers.

Image: WorldSkills Australia

In addition to watching the competitions, many visitors explored the event’s vibrant Try’aSkill stations, where hundreds of people tested their skills and interacted with training providers, employers, and industry experts.

READ MORE: Australia’s best-kept secret is ‘ready to shine’

The Championships also drew significant international interest, with 60 delegates from the Asia-Pacific region attending a welcome event hosted by TAFE Queensland, where they met members of Australia’s national skills team, the Skillaroos, and toured advanced training facilities.

Media coverage was plentiful, capturing the dynamism and scale of the event. The three-day event, which runs until Saturday, 14 June, is co-located with the Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo, providing attendees a comprehensive look at the opportunities available within Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector.

Special venue

The MTA Queensland as a partner organisation is proudly hosting autobody repair and autobody refinish at a special venue.

The contestants have all earned their place at the National Championships through rigorous regional competitions, that have tested their skills and helped them hone their craft.

Image PCM

The other great incentive for competitors is that the Brisbane event serves as a potential stepping stone to the world stage.

Prime Creative Media, the publisher of the National Collision Repairer is a proud media partner with WorldSkills Australia.

The 2025 National Championships & Skills Show is proudly supported by TAFE Queensland and the Queensland Government. For those interested in attending, free tickets are available here. You can also catch the action on Channel WSA here.

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