The Journey to Lyon and Beyond

The 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France, was an extraordinary showcase of global talent and craftsmanship. This event brought together the brightest young professionals from over 70 countries, competing in various skill categories, from carpentry to mechatronics. It highlighted the importance of vocational skills in driving innovation and industry excellence. The journey through intense competitions and international camaraderie celebrated not only the exceptional abilities of the participants but also the power of skill-sharing and collaboration in shaping the future of work.

Saying goodbye at the Skillaroo Farewell Function

The Skillaroo Farewell Function was a resounding success, marking a heartfelt send-off for Australia’s talented competitors. Inspiring speeches were delivered by notable figures, including The Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, representing The Hon Andrew Giles MP – Minister for Skills and Training, The Hon Gayle Tierney MP – Minister for Skills and TAFE, and Mr. Pierre-Andre Imbert, the French Ambassador to Australia. The event underscored the incredible support network behind the Skillaroos, providing motivation and encouragement as they represented Australia in Lyon. This strong backing truly showcased the nation's pride in their journey. A huge thank you to Reece for allowing WorldSkills Australia to host the Skillaroo Farewell Function at their Head Office. 

One School One Country

Here’s how it works:

• Schools in the host country are paired with a WorldSkills Member country or region, creating a unique cultural connection.
• In the classroom, students explore the values, traditions, and culture of their partnered WorldSkills Member, while also learning about the skilled careers showcased in the competition.
• The program culminates with an exciting gathering on the day of the Opening Ceremony, where students greet the Competitors at their schools.

The Collège Vendôme Year 10 pupils gave a warm and enthusiastic welcome to the Australian competitors, setting the stage for a memorable day of cultural exchange. The students and competitors quickly bonded as they participated in a series of engaging workshops that celebrated the French way of life. One of the highlights was the discovery of Pétanque, where both groups enjoyed learning the popular French game together.

The workshops continued with a fun food-tasting game called “What is What?”, where the Australian visitors sampled traditional French foods, trying to guess the ingredients, much to the amusement of their French hosts. There was also an interactive exploration of French landmarks through games that fostered a deeper understanding of French history and culture.

To top it off, the day included a bilingual “Find Someone Who…” Bingo, allowing the groups to connect through language. By the end of the day, new friendships had blossomed, and both the Australian competitors and the French pupils left with lasting memories of shared experiences, laughter, and a greater appreciation for each other’s cultures. It was a day that embodied the true spirit of international connection and learning.

A Meet & Greet to wish the Skillaroos Good Luck

Attendees included: 

• Hon. Brendan O'Connor MP, representing Hon. Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Skills and Training of Australia
• Hon. Blair Boyer MP, Minister for Education, Training and Skills, South Australia 
• Hon. John Gardner MP,  Shadow Minister for Education, Training and Skills, South Australia
• Cameron Baker, South Australia Skills Commissioner
• John Langoulant, Agent General for Western Australia in the United Kingdom/Europe region

The Skillaroos had an inspiring meet and greet with these prominent figures just ahead of the Opening Ceremony and the competition, their words of encouragement truly resonated with the team. This special moment served as a powerful boost of motivation, reinforcing the dedication and hard work the competitors have put into their journey. With each inspiring speech, the Skillaroos felt their confidence grow, fueling their pride as they prepared to represent Australia on the world stage. The support from these influential leaders not only energised the team but also reminded them of the incredible impact they can have as skilled professionals. 

Opening Ceremony

The 47th WorldSkills International Competition officially opened with an unforgettable celebration! The Skillaroos proudly wore their green and gold, representing Australia with immense pride on the global stage. The evening was a dazzling tribute to French culture, filled with vibrant entertainment and memorable moments that set the tone for the days ahead.

The event featured a warm welcome to Lyon, followed by the Parade of Nations, where competitors from all over the world showcased their national pride. Spectacular dance performances captivated the audience, adding an extra layer of excitement to the night. Speeches from the WorldSkills Lyon and WorldSkills International organisers highlighted the significance of the competition, while President Macron delivered an inspiring address, encouraging the participants to push the boundaries of excellence. The evening also included the WorldSkills Oath, symbolising the unity and dedication of everyone involved.

It was a night of celebration, camaraderie, and excitement, marking the beginning of an incredible journey for the competitors.

The Closing Ceremony

The 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon came to a triumphant end with a dazzling closing ceremony, celebrating the achievements of the world's best young professionals. Held in at the Groupa Stadium, the atmosphere was electric as participants, supporters, and officials gathered to honor the competitors who had demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication over the course of the event.

The ceremony was a vibrant display of global unity and craftsmanship, with flags of more than 70 nations proudly waving as competitors from around the world took to the stage. It was a moment of reflection and celebration for everyone involved, as the participants—many of them competing internationally for the first time—looked back on their incredible journeys.

One of the key highlights of the evening was the formal recognition of the medalists. From gold to Medallion For Excellence, the awards were a testament to the hard work and talent of each individual competitor. The Skillaroos made their nation proud with strong performances, standing tall among the world’s best and earning respect on the global stage. Their success was a reflection of the rigorous training and passion that fueled their journey from start to finish.

The ceremony also featured speeches from WorldSkills leaders and local officials, emphasising the importance of vocational skills globally. They praised the competitors for their dedication, resilience, and contributions to their respective industries, underscoring the vital role they play in shaping the future of work. Inspirational messages highlighted how this competition was not just about winning but about learning, innovation, and pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved through skill.

A cultural celebration added a colorful and lively dimension to the evening, with performances reflecting the rich heritage of Lyon and France. Music, dance, and visual displays created a festive mood, honoring the international spirit of the event and the friendships forged over the competition days.

As the ceremony drew to a close, there was a palpable sense of accomplishment and pride among the competitors. For many, the competition had been a once-in-a-lifetime experience, filled with challenges, learning, and personal growth.

The event concluded with the symbolic handover of the WorldSkills flag to the next host city, as excitement began to build for the 48th WorldSkills Competition that will be hosted in Shanghai 2026. As the lights dimmed and the crowd cheered, it was clear that the 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon had left an indelible mark on the global vocational landscape, inspiring a new generation of skilled professionals ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow.

The Results

Below is the summary of Team Australia's impressive results. The campaign highlighted Australia’s global standing, with the team securing a bronze medal and 14 Medallions for Excellence. A Medallion for Excellence signifies that a competitor achieved a score above 700 (out of 1000) on the marking scale, demonstrating exceptional skill. With half of Team Australia recognized for their excellence in their respective fields, this clearly reflects the high level of skills development in Australia. Congratulations to the entire Team Australia on your outstanding performance in Lyon!

Click on the Flickr link to see more images form the 47th WorldSkills International Competition