Mareeba fitter and turner to represent State at WorldSkills

With over 600 competitors, 300 judges, 200 volunteers and an expected 25,000 visitors, the WorldSkills Australia 2025 National Championships and Skills Show is a three-day celebration of trades, skills, and vocational education and training industry excellence – the largest event of its kind in Australia.

Cody was selected in the WorldSkills Queensland team after being awarded a [Gold, Silver or Bronze] medal at last year’s turning regional qualifier, and says he is excited to compete against Australia’s best apprentices and hopes to make his family, employer, and TAFE Queensland teachers proud.

“I grew up on a farm and always had a passion for making and fixing things. That hands-on experience early in life really shaped who I am today. When I discovered the opportunities that the fitting and turning trade could offer, I knew it was the right path for me,” Cody said.

Now 21 and studying the Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (Fitting/Machining) (MEM30219) supported by the Queensland Government’s free apprenticeships for under 25s, Cody has found the perfect career in his hometown of Mareeba. His journey has been driven by a deep love for practical problem-solving and the satisfaction of precision work.

“It is a privilege to represent my state,” he said. “I’m looking forward to learning new things, stepping outside my comfort zone, and being able to say to people that I competed for Queensland.”

Cody credits his success and motivation to the people who’ve supported him along the way.

“My dad and my boss have been the biggest inspirations in my trade journey so far,” he shares. “Their guidance and encouragement have helped me grow both personally and professionally.”

More than 100 TAFE Queensland students have been selected to represent Queensland and compete against hundreds of apprentices from across Australia in their trade skill.

TAFE Queensland North region General Manager Susan Kinobe said TAFE Queensland is excited to continue its strong support for WorldSkills Australia, partnering with the Queensland Government to bring the nation’s biggest skills event to Queensland.

“As the largest and most trusted Vocational Education and Training (VET) provider in the state, TAFE Queensland leads the pack in WorldSkills participation and encourages our peers around the state to get involved as well, as broader participation strengthens the competition and lifts the overall calibre of the Queensland team,” Mrs Kinobe said.

“In fact, over 80 per cent of the WorldSkills Queensland team is made up of TAFE Queensland competitors and more than half of the competition judges are TAFE Queensland teachers, showcasing our talent and dedication to supporting both our students, employers and industries.”

“The WorldSkills Australia 2025 National Championships and Skills Show underscores our leadership in the training market and our commitment to providing industry-relevant training that transforms lives, industries and communities.”

“This event is about recognising and celebrating excellence in both participant skill development and educator training delivery and everyone at TAFE Queensland takes great pride in the success and excellence of our competitors and colleagues,” she said.

Held every two years, the National Championships are Australia’s largest and most successful vocational education excellence event. With 63 skill area competitions on offer, students from all over the country compete in every vocation imaginable – from carpentry to cloud computing.

The top performers in eligible skills may earn a coveted spot in Team Australia (“The Skillaroos”), set to compete at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai in 2026. This global event will bring together around 1,300 competitors from over 60 countries, making it the largest skills showcase in the world.

This event is proudly supported by the Queensland Government and TAFE Queensland.

To attend the inspiring competition in person at no cost, visit WorldSkills Australia.