Students secure medals at national VET awards

Two students from Findon Technical College have emerged as the best in the nation at the Australia’s largest skills and trades showcase — the 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships and Skills Show.

Competing in the Augmented Welding category, year 12 student Andrew secured the coveted Gold medal while Jade , also in year 12, followed closely with a Bronze medal. Both students are training in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering at Findon Technical College.

Andrew and Jade were among 9 South Australian Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) students to secure medals at the one of the largest national championships in WorldSkills Australia’s 44-year history.

Angus from Aberfoyle Park High School took home Gold in VETiS Carpentry and Nazif from the Australian Science and Mathematics School earned a Silver medal in VETiS Information Technology.

In addition, 5 students were awarded Certificates of Excellence, recognising their high level of skill and commitment:

• Benita from Reynella East College for VETiS Commercial Cookery
• Zahlee from Renmark High School for VETiS Hairdressing
• Peter from Kapunda High School for VETiS Carpentry
• Michael from Loxton High School for VETiS Electrotechnology,
• Jack from Norwood International High School in VETiS Plumbing.

South Australian Department for Education Director of Services and Programs, Student Pathways and Careers, Fletcha Pearce-Cane said the students’ achievements highlight the strength and innovation of South Australia's VET in Schools programs in preparing students for exciting future careers close to home.

“Team SA really shone at WorldSkills,” she said. “This success underscores the effectiveness of our strong focus on VET in Schools in South Australia, which is helping our talented young people become leaders in their fields right at the very beginning of their career journeys.”

The medallists were among 19 students from 15 South Australian government schools competing in Brisbane. Adding to the excitement, South Australia was unveiled as the host for the 2027 WorldSkills Australia National Championships and Skills Show, further cementing the state’s reputation as a leader in vocational education.

To get a head start to a hands-on career, students can apply to train at a technical college for years 10 to 12. Discover the workplace-like facilities, mentoring and support programs, and how you can graduate into a career at Technical Colleges