A three-day careers event in Queensland this month is offering students a chance to try their hand at a skill and speak to industry experts – and schools can attend for free.
Whether students’ interest is in cybersecurity or plumbing, baking or automotive mechanics, one event this year is setting a new benchmark for exploring career pathways in vocational education.
Taking place at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from 12-14 June 2025, the WorldSkills Australia 2025 National Championships and Skills Show promises a rare opportunity for students to explore, learn and try a range of skilled professions.
Co-located with the Brisbane Careers and Employment Expo, the event is a must-visit for students where they will be able to interact with over 160 educators and employers, participate in demonstrations, and witness the nation’s most talented apprentices and trainees compete in over 60 skills and trades.
Proudly supported by TAFE Queensland and the Queensland Government, the 2025 National Championships and Skills Show is giving students the chance to try their hand at new skills in activation hubs called Try’aSkill.
From carpentry to hairdressing, the Try’aSkill activations provides students with a free, practical way to explore career options they may not have previously considered.
Beyond the thrill of competition, the 2025 National Championships and Skills Show serves as a stepping stone to the world stage. The top performers in eligible skills may earn a coveted spot in Team Australia (The Skillaroos), set to compete at the 48th WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai, 2026.
Mr Trevor Schwenke, WorldSkills Australia CEO, says the event will showcase all the excitement and opportunities that vocational education and training can unlock.
“Our goal is to promote skills across traditional and non-traditional sectors, challenging perceptions about vocational training in an accessible and engaging way,” he says.
“With the Expo being home to the largest National Championships in our 44-year history, visitors will witness an incredible skills showdown, cheer on competitors, test their own abilities at interactive exhibits, and meet some of the Skillaroos – Australia’s elite team who competed at Lyon in 2024.”
Ms Charlotte Leschke, who will be representing Queensland in Cookery, says taking part in the WorldSkills Australia program has been an incredibly rewarding journey – and one that is far from over.
“The entire experience has been amazing and helped to boost my confidence. From meeting and sharing ideas with other competitors, to working closely with my mentor, it’s really opened my eyes to how far I can go with this,” she says.
“Now I’m just honing my skills and looking forward to the excitement of the competition.”
Whether students are seeking career advice, exploring vocational education, or simply curious about potential career pathways, the show provides a hands-on approach to learning about different industries.
Free school registration
Schools can register for free, giving students full access to both the Brisbane Careers & Employment Expo and the WorldSkills Australia National Championships. This one-of-a-kind event is a must-attend for students looking to explore their future.
For those who are unable to attend, make sure to tune in to Channel WSA to watch the event from anywhere.
The streams can be watched via:
Youtube: https://hubs.ly/Q039mxbf0
Facebook: https://hubs.ly/Q039mhc50
Make sure to follow and subscribe.
For more information and to secure your schools place, visit https://regonsite.eventsair.com/worldskills-2025/schools/Site/Register
