Rural roots inspire Shanaye to compete 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.

Shanaye was selected in the WorldSkills Queensland team after being awarded a Silver medal at last year’s regional qualifier. Having now completed her Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121) at TAFE Queensland’s Cairns campus, she says she’s excited to showcase her skills while representing the rural communities that inspired her career.

“Growing up in Cooktown, there was only one hospital and one GP clinic – if someone needed more care, they had to be flown to Cairns. That’s a big part of why I chose nursing,” Shanaye said.

“I became even more determined after my dad experienced a serious medical condition. Supporting him, and seeing the lack of local health services, really motivated me to make a difference.”

“I’m excited – and a bit nervous – to meet others in healthcare at the competition. I think it will be a great opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with others who are just as passionate about nursing,” she said.

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."

"This year, we’re proud that Shanaye’s former teacher, TAFE Queensland health educator Juni Bordeos, has also been selected as a judge for the nursing category – highlighting the strength and expertise of our training staff.”

"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.