South Regional TAFE is proud to announce its outstanding achievements at the National WorldSkills Competition, held in Brisbane. This prestigious event brought together the nation’s most skilled vocational students, providing a platform to showcase technical excellence and industry expertise.
South Regional TAFE was represented by nine talented competitors who demonstrated remarkable proficiency, resilience, and professionalism across a variety of disciplines. Their efforts were recognised with certificates of participation from WorldSkills Australia, underscoring their dedication and commitment to excellence.
National Representatives
- Riley Gibson (VETiS Bricklaying) Gold Medalist
- Paulyn Kyle Valdepena (VETiS Food and Beverage) Gold Medalist
- Charles Dickie (OPEN Carpentry) Certificate of Excellence Recipient
- Andrew Barr – VETiS Carpentry
- Shiloh Berriman – VETiS Commercial Cookery
- Lottie Wood – VETiS Hairdressing
- Kobe Brown – OPEN Bricklaying
- Alice Okyere – OPEN Cookery
- Steven Leeder – OPEN Cabinet Making
Participation in WorldSkills Australia provides invaluable professional development opportunities, fostering technical expertise and networking within key industry sectors. Our competitors gained hands-on experience under high-pressure conditions, forged professional connections, and demonstrated exemplary teamwork throughout the competition.
Acknowledging the Contributions of Staff & Mentors
The success of our competitors would not have been possible without the commitment and guidance of South Regional TAFE’s dedicated staff. From the Regional Competitions in 2024 to the rigorous preparation for Nationals, their expertise played a vital role in supporting student achievement.
Key contributors included:
- Bricklaying: Colin Hazelden & Mark Baker
- Carpentry: Adam Mathews, Colin Spalding & Greg Knobloch
- Commercial Cookery (VETiS): Kelly Brennan & Luke Westaway
- Commercial Cookery (Open): Kathryn Tindal Davies
- Food & Beverage: Johnese Mullen
- Hairdressing: Helen Virgo, Emily Watson & Aimee O’Brien
- Cabinet Making: Aaron Tucker
Additionally, two WorldSkills Life Members provided their expertise as part of the National judging panel:
- Nick Johnson – Cabinet Making, Chief Judge
- Amanda Smith – Cookery VETiS, Chief Judge
Special recognition is also extended to Anita Host, Training Manager - Trades, Paraprofessionals & Service Industries, who generously volunteered her time as a team leader.
Commitment to Excellence in Vocational Training
The success of South Regional TAFE at the National WorldSkills Competition reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality vocational education that aligns with industry standards and workforce demands. The dedication of our students, staff, and mentors underscores the strength of our institution in fostering skill development, industry engagement, and lifelong learning.
We extend our gratitude to all involved in this remarkable achievement and look forward to continued success in future competitions. Congratulations to all our competitors!