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A lifetime dedicated to skills, fashion and future generations
For more than three decades, Carol Costa has been shaping not only garments, but lives. Her recent recognition as a WorldSkills Australia Life Member is a fitting tribute to a career defined by passion, mentorship and an unwavering commitment to skills excellence in fashion education.
Carol’s journey began long before the spotlight of national and international competitions. After training and working as a garment technologist in industry, she found her true calling in education, bringing her deep technical knowledge and infectious love of fashion to TAFE Queensland classrooms.
Over the past 30-plus years, she has inspired generations of students, many of whom remain part of her life long after they graduate.
Joining WorldSkills Australia quickly became a natural extension of Carol’s teaching philosophy. She saw in it a powerful opportunity for young people to benchmark their skills, build confidence and step onto a national or global stage. Since then, she has supported countless competitors representing Brisbane and Queensland, celebrating every milestone alongside them.
“I have special memories with every student who has represented Brisbane and Queensland at the Nationals,” Carol says. “I feel extra proud when they stand on the podium to receive a Bronze, Silver or Gold medal.”
Those moments have added up to extraordinary results. To date, competitors from the Brisbane region have earned five gold medals, two silver medals and one bronze medal, with TAFE Brisbane Fashion winning gold at the WorldSkills National Championships four consecutive times — an achievement Carol describes as one of her proudest career highlights.
Beyond medals, Carol believes WorldSkills delivers something even more valuable.
“WorldSkills gives young adults a fantastic start in their chosen careers,” she explains. “The skills and knowledge you gain from competing – from refining technical ability to building self-esteem, time management, industry connections and lifelong friendships – are life-changing.”
Her impact has been recognised well beyond WorldSkills. In recent years, Carol has received prestigious awards from AUSTAFE Queensland and TAFE Queensland honouring her commitment to vocational education and training.
These honours reflect a career built on generosity, excellence and a genuine desire to see others succeed.
Carol is also a passionate advocate for educators becoming involved in WorldSkills, seeing mentorship as a responsibility as much as a privilege.
“As educators, we need to pass on our passion, knowledge and love for our chosen field to these young adults who will soon be walking in our shoes,” she says. “Everyone needs a mentor and a friend in life – why not you become that someone?”
True to form, Carol’s WorldSkills journey is far from over. Looking ahead, she is excited by the possibility of Queensland achieving five gold medals in a row, and is currently mentoring Ella Taylor, a former Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising (MST50019) student from TAFE Queensland’s Mount Gravatt campus, who has been selected for the WorldSkills International training squad, the Skillaroos.
In 2026, Carol will also take on a new challenge herself, serving as an International Judge at the WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai, China, where approximately 37 countries will compete.
“I’m really looking forward to the journey to Shanghai,” she said.
“Gaining new knowledge, making new contacts and forming new fashion friendships from all over the world is something I truly value.”
For Carol Costa, WorldSkills has never been just about competition. It is about community, confidence and creating opportunities that last a lifetime. Her WorldSkills Australia Life Membership recognises a legacy stitched together with care, excellence and an enduring belief in the power of skills to transform lives.