Published Wednesday, 11 June, 2025 at 12:15 PM

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training
The Honourable Ros Bates

Queensland’s most skilled set to compete at national championships 

  • 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships and Skills Show starts in Brisbane tomorrow.
  • More than half of Queensland’s 118 competitors are from regional areas.
  • Nearly $15 million generated for Queensland economy as more than 600 trainees and apprentices descend on Brisbane.  

The Crisafulli Government will welcome Queensland’s best apprentices and trainees to compete at the 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships. 

The championships will feature 118 Queenslanders among more than 600 competitors from across Australia, who are vying for medals over three days from Thursday. 

Winners from eligible skills categories will have the chance to represent Australia at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai. Representatives from more than 60 countries will compete at the world event. 

As host, Brisbane will receive a huge boost to the city’s tourism and hospitality providers, with WorldSkills Australia forecasting a $14.7 million injection into the local economy. 

The competition will run alongside the Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo, featuring 160 exhibitors, who will invite students, job seekers and career changers to explore new career pathways. 

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Ros Bates said the event celebrated excellence, putting a spotlight on vocational education and training. 

“The Crisafulli Government is fighting hard to repair Labor's skills shortage across the State, so it’s wonderful to focus on trainees and apprenticeships,” Minister Bates said. 

“We are committed to inspiring the next generation of young people to take up a career in such industries as construction, manufacturing, technology, hospitality and healthcare.  

“No matter where you live, from Biloela to Bundaberg or from Toowoomba to Townsville, there is so much dedicated, innovative and passionate skills talent to be uncovered and celebrated.” 

WorldSkills Australia Chief Executive Officer Trevor Schwenke said the event marked the culmination of hundreds of hours of learning, training and mentoring from industry leaders. 

“This is the 32nd National Championships we’ve held, and every time I’m inspired by the passion and dedication that goes into making it the world-class event it is,” Mr Schwenke said.  

“And behind the scenes is an army of organisers, volunteers, trainers and supporters who work tirelessly to bring it all to life.” 

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Justin Armsden 0417 518 532 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

  • Queenslanders are encouraged to get behind Team Queensland by attending the event in-person or tuning into the livestream on Channel WSA.
  • Queensland competitors secured an entry to Team Queensland at Regional WorldSkills finals throughout 2024.
  • At the previous National Championships, Queensland competitors took home 23 medals – claiming Gold in seven categories including Electrical Installation, Fashion Technology, and Motorcycle Mechanics.
  • The 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships and Skills Show is open from June 12-14.
  • The Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo is also open 9AM-4PM every day from June 12-14.