Image Credit: WorldSkills Australia
Adelaide has been named the host city for the 2027 WorldSkills Australia National Championships and Skills Show, set to take place in June of that year. This prestigious event will see the nation’s top apprentices, trainees, vocational students, and skills professionals compete across more than 60 categories. The announcement was made during the closing ceremony of the 2025 National Championships in Brisbane.
The 2027 National Championships will coincide with the Adelaide Careers and Employment Expo, offering attendees a comprehensive look at career opportunities alongside the competition. This dual event will not only showcase exceptional skills but also facilitate interactions with industry leaders and employers through various exhibits and demonstrations.
The biennial event is the largest of its kind in Australia celebrating vocational excellence. Competitors from all over the country will vie for the distinction of being the best in their trade or skill areas, with the winners potentially representing Australia at the 2028 WorldSkills International Competition in Aichi, Japan.
Minister Blair Boyer highlighted the impact of the competition during his attendance at the Skills Ministers Meeting in Brisbane, where he supported the South Australian team. The team’s effort was commendable, securing three gold medals, eight silver, and five bronze, along with 11 certificates of excellence.
The planned competitions for the Adelaide event cover a diverse range of sectors including IT, health, hospitality, building, construction, and manufacturing among others. South Australia has shown significant growth in its participation in WorldSkills, with the number of competitors increasing dramatically from seven in 2023 to 63 in 2025.
This national showcase is also an opportunity for young South Australians to explore vocational pathways and understand the vital roles these skills play in the economy. Recognition and appreciation of technical education will be a focal point, highlighting its contribution to the state’s and the nation’s economic health.
According to Blair Boyer, witnessing the 2024 International WorldSkills competition was eye-opening regarding the importance of vocational skills.
“These young people may not have had the chance to ever travel before and being part of a team, that recognises and values the work they do, is a fantastic opportunity,” Blair stated.
South Australian Skills Commissioner, Cameron Baker, expressed the event’s broader significance as a celebration of excellence and innovation across the skilled workforce.
“We’re proud to partner with WorldSkills Australia to deliver an event that shines a spotlight on emerging talent and highlights the critical role training providers and industry play in shaping South Australia’s future workforce,” Cameron noted.
WorldSkills Australia CEO Trevor Schwenke mentioned that Adelaide was a natural choice for this event, emphasizing the state’s commitment to skills training excellence.
“These competitions are about more than medals; they are about building pride in vocational careers, raising training standards and changing lives,” said Trevor.
Anthony Kittel, CEO of REDARC Electronics, emphasized the event’s role in displaying the capabilities of Australia’s future workforce, especially in sectors like advanced manufacturing and technology. Estha van der Linden, South Australian Head at Ai Group, underscored the importance of such platforms in bridging skills gaps and preparing a workforce for future challenges.
Hosting the WorldSkills Australia National Championships not only underscores Adelaide’s and South Australia’s commitment to skills development but also sets a clear pathway for young individuals to explore and excel in vocational careers. This event promises to be a crucial milestone in the vocational education and training landscape of Australia, showcasing real skills for real careers.
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