Global Skills Challenge wraps up across the ditch

New Zealand brings home a medal ahead of the international competition later this year

Designed to simulate the conditions of the international competition and allow competitors, experts and other support team members the opportunity to meet ahead of Lyon 2024, the 2024 Global Skills Challenge in Melbourne attracted plenty of camaraderie.

Over the four-day event, 138 competitors from 17 countries put their skills to the test across 29 categories. For the refrigeration, heating and air conditioning skill, five countries were competing – Australia, Austria, Brazil, Hong Kong and New Zealand – with our own Jack Butler bringing home a silver medal, with gold going to Austria and third place going to Australia.

Medals were presented at a formal closing ceremony which was attended by all competitors and their official

delegations, senior vocational education and training (VET) and government representatives, WSA partners and guest of honour, the Ambassador of France to Australia, Pierre-André Imbert.

WorldSkills Australia CEO, Trevor Schwenke, says the event was a resounding success: “Touring the event sites, the spirit of competition was only outmatched by the sense of camaraderie and collaboration between nations. Seeing officials and competitors mingling, discussing how they approach their skill back home is what it’s all about.”

Stay tuned for results from the 47th WorldSkills Competition in September.