WA's Skillaroos head for France to compete against the world's best

• More Western Australians are going for gold in France - representing Team Australia at the 47th WorldSkills International Competition in Lyon
• Six WA Skillaroos are chasing medals in construction and building technology, information and communication technology, and creative arts and fashion
• Australia striving to be named 'World's Most Skilled Country'
• 2024 event set to be the largest skills competition ever, with more than 1,400 competitors from 70 countries competing in 59 skills

Western Australia's Skillaroos have been bid 'bon voyage' at a farewell event for Team Australia in Melbourne, ahead of their departure to France tonight to compete in the 47th WorldSkills International Competition.

Six Western Australian competitors are among 32 Skillaroos representing Team Australia at WorldSkills Lyon 2024 from Tuesday, 10 September to Sunday 15, September.

Set to be the largest skills competition ever, more than 1,400 competitors from 70 countries are expected to compete in 59 skills. More than 250,000 visitors are expected to attend WorldSkills Lyon 2024 over the six days of competition.  

Team Australia is participating in WorldSkills Lyon 2024 to benchmark Australia's skills excellence against global standards, with a goal to secure the title of the 'World's Most Skilled Country'.

Team Australia is fielding one of its largest contingents ever, with competitors representing vocational skills including, bricklaying, cyber security, cookery, plumbing and heating, and fashion technology.

WA's Skillaroos have been practising their trades projects for competition since they were selected for Team Australia in March 2024, following their outstanding results at the WorldSkills Australia National Championships in August 2023. Alongside them on their training journey have been their experts, who will be in Lyon to coach them throughout the competition.

WA's Skillaroos will be aiming to repeat the success of previous Western Australian medal winners including Joseph Pauley (2015 Silver - Industrial Mechanics), Tayron Scagnetti (2013 Silver - Jewellery) and Alexis Reid (2011 Bronze - Hairdressing).

WA's Skillaroos will represent Australia in the following skills competitions:

• Antoinette Jackson - Painting and Decorating (MPA Skills)
• Jacob Dixon - Wall and Floor Tiling (North Metropolitan TAFE) 
• Kai Baharthah-King and Lachlan Gelavis - Cyber Security Team Event (North Metropolitan TAFE)
• Lewis Italiano - Cabinet Making (South Regional TAFE)
• Mitchell Rigney - Jewellery (North Metropolitan TAFE)

Five Western Australians have also been selected as experts for Team Australia:

• Brendan Hibbert - Graphic Design Technology (North Metropolitan TAFE)
• Liam Cochran - Wall and Floor Tiling (Construction Training Fund)
• Nicholas Johnston - Cabinet Making (South Regional TAFE)
• Ryan Goggin - 3D Digital Game Art (North Metropolitan TAFE)
• Todd Bell - Electrical Installation (Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety)

To stay up to date with the Skillaroos and the competition in Lyon visit: www.worldskills2024.com/en/home-page/

Comments attributed to Training and Workforce Development Minister Simone McGurk:

"The WorldSkills International Competition gives young vocational students and apprentices an opportunity to showcase their exceptional skills on the world stage.

"We have a world-class vocational training system with plenty of opportunities, and Team WA's Skillaroos are showing other young people what is possible.

"After honing their skills and practising their projects throughout 2024, our West Aussie Skillaroos are excited to touch down in Lyon and put their skills to the test against the world's best.

"I'm extremely proud of our Skillaroos and I look forward to cheering them on as they chase medals in Lyon - I'm sure they'll skill it!"