2024 Team Australia Uniform Launch
Hosted at RMIT
WorldSkills Australia is proud to unveil the uniforms that will be worn by our 32 young competitors and their expert mentors as they represent Australia on the global stage at the 47th WorldSkills International Competition in Lyon, France, next month.
The uniforms were officially revealed on Monday, August 19, at a special event held at RMIT University’s City Campus, where some of the 2024 Team Australia members have honed their skills.
Lyon 2024 promises to be one of the largest International Skills Competitions in WorldSkills history, with more than 1,500 competitors and 1,400 experts from over 65 countries participating. The event is expected to attract over 250,000 visitors from around the world during its six-day run.
Team Australia and the Skillaroos, represents one of the largest contingents we have ever sent to an International Competition. Our competitors will be showcasing their skills across 29 disciplines, including bricklaying, cybersecurity, cookery, plumbing and heating, and fashion technology. Each member of our team earned their place by excelling in regional competitions in 2022 and the national championships in 2023, where they competed against the nation’s best apprentices, trainees, and young professionals.Since qualifying, our team has been diligently preparing under the guidance of their mentors. At the Global Skills Challenge held in May, which featured over 138 international competitors from 17 countries, Team Australia performed exceptionally well, securing 15 medals and placing second overall.
The main event, the 47th International Competition, will take place from September 10 to 15.
Let’s cheer them on as they showcase their talents and represent Australia on the global stage! Stay connected with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest updates on the Skillaroos, and don’t forget to check out our Flickr for even more behind-the-scenes moments. https://www.flickr.com/photos/worldskills_au/albums
Discover TEAM AUSTRALIA'S Stunning Uniforms and More!
Dive into the details below.
2024 Team Australia Official Uniform
The official Team Australia uniform will be worn for the official team photo, the opening, closing ceremony and at formal events. Each year a different scarf and tie pattern is used to be unique to each year. This year's design is 'The Flowering Gum Terracotta' print is inspired by the Native gum trees of Australia, the delightful flowering gum tree design shows off masses of pale pink blossoms in the summer time. The formal uniform was designed for the WSC2017 Abu Dhabi by 2013 Skillaroo in Fashion Technology Ashleigh Maric- the colours representing Neutral Sand colours for the desert and Navy for the Australian flag.
Competition Uniform
In addition to the formal uniform, Skillaroos and Team Australia are required to wear the official competition uniform. This uniform is used to travel and compete in for those who don't require skill specific uniforms.
The competition uniform has been designed by proud Worimi woman and Indigenous artist, Jacinta-Rai Ridgeway-Maahs, featuring designs representing Australia’s rich cultural history.
The competition uniform is adorned with powerful symbolism, including the nation’s iconic flora and fauna, landscapes, the passion and endurance of Team Australia, and the community spirit that the International Competition fosters.
See below the story behind the design.
The Story
Strength and Community
This piece shares the story of the WorldSkills Journey across Australia and the importance of the skills community.
Through this journey, hundreds of volunteers come together throughout the 34 Regions across Australia providing opportunities for their young people to participate in Regional, National and International competitions.
Team Australia consists of 35 Skillaroos, 32 Experts and 6 Team Management, representingAustralia in 32 Skills.
The green rainbows cascading across this piece symbolise the 34 regions throughout Australia that participate in WorldSkills.
The small dark circles that flank the top of the rainbows represent the 100’s of volunteers who walk together across the country to support and encourage our young people to strive in their craft.
Each rainbow embraces Regional, National, and International components of the skill journey. Their commitment to skills excellence is demonstrated as the rainbows connect to the path of 41 pastel cuffs that signify Australia’s journey as an active WorldSkills member country.
The symbol for person- surrounding the kangaroo symbolises each of the 35 competitors who will represent Australia (Skillaroos).
The kangaroo itself displays strength and agility- fostering the determination and resilience of the team.
The small light and dark circles in the head of the kangaroo symbolise the 6 states that are represented by Team Australia and the 4 lighter circles represent the states competitors represent.
The small dark circles etched in the kangaroo's body symbolise the 32 skills Team Australia will compete in.
The team experts are identified through the 8 outer circles – the protectors - coaching, mentoring, nurturing, guiding and sharing knowledge and skills.
The 3 layered connected circles demonstrate the skills community, support, connection and comradery of experts, competitors and team management working together.
The Southern Cross – signifies community, guidance and courage while the Boomerang – is a collective symbol of endurance, strength and the importance of culture.
About Jacinta
Jacinta-Rai Ridgeway-Maahs is a contemporary First Nations artist sharing stories through art as her ancestors once did.
A proud Worimi woman creating on Butchulla country , Jacinta-rai embraces creativity through her unique style blending earthy tones , peachy pinks, pastels and bold colours to capture symbolic detail.
Motivated by country, community and culture , life and family - she creates intriguing pieces that connect with people of all cultures.
Using art as a form of personal solace and meditation - Jacinta-rai truly believes that our young people are the driving force of our future - in education, equality, and taking care of country through kindness and working together.
More about the Team Uniform!
To keep warm the team will have jackets to wear for travel, at event activation and day trips. They will also have official team backpacks as hand luggage to carry all of their essentials when travelling to and around Lyon!
Skill Specific Uniform
A special thanks to Base Camp, FXD, and Fraser and Hughes for providing skill specific uniform for our Skillaroos. Certain skills need specific uniform for health and safety purposes.
- The Cooking Skillaroo requires a white Freaser and Hughes chef uniform as it highlights spills and stains, making them easily visible. A chef with a pristine uniform conveys a sense of meticulousness, hygiene, and attention to detail, instilling trust in the quality and cleanliness of their cooking. The white uniform is also a health and safety requirement. The uniform includes the Australian Crest and the WorldSkills Australia logo.
- The Restaurant Service Skillaroo wears different attire that reflects the different styles of service they do over 4 days, Fine Dining, Banquet, Casual Dining then Barista/Bar. They wear long sleeves are to cover all countries health codes.
- The Health and Social Care Skillaroo will wear green scrubs featuring the Australian flag. Scrubs aid in infection control, facilitate quick identification, and ensure compliance with the dress code for nurses.
- The Welding and Construction Metal Work Skillaroo's will be required to wear flame-resistant clothing to protect their skin from sparks, spatter, and heat. They will also wear a helmet to protect them from UV radiation.
- The Plumbing and Heating, Cabinetmaking, Bricklaying, Carpentry, and Refrigeration & Air conditioning Skillaroos are required to wear FXD work pants, ensuring both protection and comfort during their tasks, particularly in challenging, or hazardous environments.
- The Cabinetmaking Skillaroo will be required to wear a Base Camp mask to protect them from dust.
Team Australia Supporters
Families, friends, and supporters eager to cheer on the Skillaroos are heading to Lyon to witness the team in action. The Team Australia Competition uniform has been incorporated into the merchandise, fostering a strong sense of unity. Additionally, supporters will receive their own exclusive backpack!
For those unable to join in Lyon, friends and family back in Australia will proudly wear the merchandise as a symbol of support.
Help the Skillaroos Represent Australia
WorldSkills Museum
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National Judge Expression of Interest
National Championships 2025 – Brisbane
Venue: BCEC
Dates: 9th June – 17th June inclusive
EOI’s close on 1st September 2024.
Position Description & EOI Registration here
WorldSkills Conference 2024
WorldSkills Conference 2024 will take place from 11 to 12 September alongside the 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France.
2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships
Brisbane Exhibition & Convention Centre
12-14 June 2025