Meet Gold Coast young guns who crushed WorldSkills

Among more than 600 competitors from around the country, who battled it out across 60 skill categories, the Gold Coast stood tall, walking away with three gold, three silver, two bronze and five Medallions of Excellence.

Automotive electrical technology apprentice Reece Gallagher, from TAFE Queensland’s Ashmore campus claimed gold after narrowly missing the podium at last year’s competition.

“I’ve been working on all my weak points to give myself the best shot,” said Reece.

Reece credits his success to strong mentorship, quality training facilities, and hands-on learning.

“The teachers are a wealth of knowledge,” he said.

“Every teacher at TAFE Queensland has industry experience, which really helps because they can share real-world insights with us.”

Cyber security student Dylan Wondal from the Coomera campus also took out gold, driven by a passion for ethical hacking and a goal to one day work for the Australian Signals Directorate or the AFP

“I’ve always loved the offensive side of cyber,” Dylan said.

“Being able to put my skills to good use and be part of Australia’s defenders is very important to me.”

Dylan said his training at TAFE Queensland helped build strong foundations.

“The hands-on projects are invaluable,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bricklaying champion Colby Vale, also from the Ashmore campus rounded out the gold trio, laying down the foundations, quite literally – with precision, endurance and mastery in a trade where every millimetre counts.

These gold medallists are now eligible for selection into 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.

Joining the Gold Coast student medal count were Silver medallists:

• Zack Budai – Programming
• Isabella Gaddes – VETiS Food and Beverage
• Jazmin Gonzalez – Healthcare

Bronze went to:

• Keiran Mandy – Programming
  Cain Luther – VETiS Carpentry

And Medallions of Excellence for scoring above the national benchmark:

• Casta-Troy O'Toole – Electrical Installation
• Tylar Pinniger – Cyber Security
• Jai Smith – Welding
• Casey Wilcock – Painting and Decorating
• Max Booth – Plumbing and HeatingTAFE Queensland Gold Coast General

TAFE Queensland Gold Coast General Manager Karen Dickinson said the results are a testament to the quality of training and the dedication of both students and teachers.

“These results are outstanding,” she said.

“To see our students not only compete but thrive on the national stage speaks volumes about the standard of teaching and the strength of our programs.”

Cyber Security Gold medal recipient:
Dylan Wondal 

Bricklaying Gold medal recipient:
Colby Veal