Fashion graduate selected for WorldSkills International Competition 2026

Ella is one of 38 Skillaroos chosen to represent the nation at the prestigious international competition, which will bring together more than 1,400 competitors from over 70 countries and regions across 64 skill categories.

The team will be supported by 34 experts and seven team officials, making it the largest Australian contingent in the country’s WorldSkills history.

Based in Brisbane, Ella has been training at TAFE Queensland's Fashion Centre of Excellence at the Mount Gravatt campus under the guidance of her international expert and mentor, Carol Costa.

Ella’s journey into fashion began in a high school Home Economics classroom.

“I remember making my first garment in a high school Home Economics class and absolutely falling in love with the process,” she said.

Fashion has long been part of Ella’s life. With a mother who worked in retail and a grandmother who was a skilled seamstress, creativity and craftsmanship were always close by.

“She taught me the basics when I was little. Sitting with her while she worked on projects is one of the first memories I have of feeling truly inspired. I think she’d be proud to see how far I’ve come.”

Ella’s passion grew as she discovered the satisfaction of creating garments from scratch.

“It comes naturally to me. When I found myself excited to go to my Home Economics class and learn more, I realised fashion could be more than just an interest,” she said.

“From there, I looked at how I could turn it into a career, which led me to study at TAFE Queensland.”

As a graduate of the Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising (MST50119), her skills were first put to the test at the regional WorldSkills Australia competition, where competitors must design and construct garments under strict time constraints.

“You’re working to such tight deadlines. There’s no room for hesitation, so you must make quick decisions and trust your skills,” Ella said.

Her dedication and talent earned her Gold at the 2025 National Championships, securing her place on Team Australia for the global competition in Shanghai.

“It was such an incredible experience. It pushed me, not just technically, but mentally too. It was intense, but I loved every second of it,” she said.

“It was such a surreal moment, knowing that I’d designed and created something that reflected both the competition criteria and my own style. It really made me step back and appreciate how far I’ve come.”

With Carol Costa’s support, Ella will continue to refine her craft in the lead-up to the international competition in late September.

“Carol is always encouraging me, pushing me to improve, and believes in my potential even when I doubt myself.”

Looking ahead, Ella hopes to explore a range of opportunities within the fashion industry, from ready-to-wear design and costume creation to eventually launching her own label.

“I want to create fashion that’s both innovative and sustainable and help push the industry towards more responsible practices,” she said.

Ella will join her fellow Skillaroos in Shanghai in 2026 as they compete for international recognition and celebrate vocational excellence on the global stage.