Tuesday, 19 March 2024

 Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (14:06): I rise to update the house on a significant achievement for some of Victoria’s top apprentices, trainees and students. Twelve Victorians have been selected to represent Australia at the WorldSkills international competition. This is a fantastic achievement, as students and their teachers are recognised for their incredible skills, hard work and dedication. As members of Team Australia, commonly called the Skillaroos, they will join 1500 participants from over 75 countries in France this September. Over four days, competitors will complete practical tasks set by industry and skills experts, who will assess their knowledge, competence and employability skills, competing against and learning from the best of the best. From traditional trades, such as plumbing and carpentry, to emerging industries, including cloud computing, mechatronics and graphic design technology, Victoria is producing the top apprentices and trainees in these fields.

Victoria proudly hosted the WorldSkills national championships in Melbourne last year, and I had the pleasure of meeting so many incredible skilled and young Victorians. This included Star, who will be representing Australian in 3D digital game art, and Gervase, who is Australia’s first representative in the category of additive manufacturing. Talking to Star and Gervase, their passion, skill and dedication for their trades was undeniable. I am so pleased that they will get to join 10 fellow Victorians in shining on an international stage. This is further proof that Victoria’s vocational education sector is delivering world-class skills. Congratulations to our Victorian Skillaroos. I hope that they bring home the medals, and of course there will be lots of hard work leading into the competition at Lyon.