Australia’s construction sector has long relied on the next generation of skilled tradespeople to drive standards higher and keep the industry resilient. This week, that next generation stepped firmly into the spotlight.
WorldSkills Australia has announced its 39-strong national training squad, the elite group of apprentices, trainees and young professionals who will begin preparations for the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, 22–27 September 2026.
The announcement came on the back of the WorldSkills National Championships in Brisbane, where competitors across 35 skills from carpentry and plumbing to graphic design and cyber security showcased their craft at the highest level.
For the construction industry, the spotlight shines particularly bright. Seven disciplines central to building and construction are represented, each with competitors and seasoned experts guiding them towards international excellence.
Construction’s Rising Stars
Bricklaying
- Competitor: Jason Seiler (WA)
- Expert: Andrew Hosking (QLD)
Bricklaying has always been a cornerstone of Australian building. Jason Seiler’s selection is a nod to the resilience of traditional trades in a rapidly modernising industry. Guiding him is Queensland’s Andrew Hosking, whose decades of experience in masonry and brickwork provide the perfect foundation for global competition.
Carpentry
- Competitor: Lachlan King (VIC)
- Expert: Ryan Grieger (SA)
Carpentry is at the heart of every home. Victoria’s Lachlan King will carry the baton, supported by South Australia’s Ryan Grieger, a highly regarded industry mentor. Together they embody the balance of youthful enthusiasm and proven expertise.
Electrical Installations
- Competitor: Tom Harms (VIC)
- Expert: Todd Bell (WA)
With the push toward energy-efficient, all-electric homes, electrical expertise is more important than ever. Tom Harms represents the new generation, trained in emerging technologies, while Todd Bell brings Western Australian know-how and leadership.
Landscape Gardening
- Competitors: Thomas Downing (NSW), Dylan McIntyre (NSW)
- Expert: Michael Blasch (ACT)
Sustainability and outdoor living are driving forces in Australian home design. Downing and McIntyre will take on the world in landscape gardening, with ACT’s Michael Blasch ensuring their training keeps pace with international best practice.
Plastering and Drywall
- Competitor: Deanna Billerwell (ACT)
- Expert: Jarred Denning (SA)
With demand for precision and clean finishes in residential projects, plastering is a critical skill. Canberra’s Deanna Billerwell, mentored by Jarred Denning, demonstrates how technical trades continue to attract top young talent.
Plumbing and Heating
- Competitor: Archie Wilkinson (NSW)
- Expert: James McGrath (NSW)
Water efficiency and heating innovation are high on Australia’s construction agenda. Archie Wilkinson is part of the next generation ready to solve tomorrow’s plumbing challenges, supported by industry stalwart James McGrath.
Wall and Floor Tiling
- Competitor: Logan Harrison (NSW)
- Expert: Grant Job (QLD)
From bathrooms to high-end commercial projects, tiling is a craft demanding both creativity and precision. Harrison and expert Grant Job are proof that fine detail remains at the core of building excellence.
A Global Stage for Skills Excellence
In Shanghai, Australia’s tradespeople will compete against 1,400 peers from over 60 countries, showcasing their ability to meet the toughest international standards.
Trevor Schwenke, CEO of WorldSkills Australia, said the squad embodies the best of the nation’s VET system:
“The talent on display at the National Championships was nothing short of extraordinary – a true reflection of the world-class skills that exist right here in Australia. These young people have proven themselves among the best in the country and now have the opportunity to show the world just how strong and competitive Australian skills excellence is.”
Backed by Government and Industry
The squad’s launch coincides with National Skills Week, a campaign designed to highlight vocational education as a pathway to secure, meaningful careers.
Minister for Skills and Training, Hon Andrew Giles MP, praised the announcement:
“These rising stars represent just a snapshot of the incredible skill and dedication shown by apprentices, trainees and students right across Australia. They showcase to Australians the endless possibilities that come from pursuing vocational education and training.”
WorldSkills Australia Patron, Hon Brendan O’Connor, echoed the sentiment:
“They elevate vocational education and training to its rightful place and are an inspiration to all who follow them.”
Why It Matters for Construction
For builders and contractors, the WorldSkills program is more than competition, it’s a talent pipeline. With skills shortages continuing to pressure the construction sector, identifying and nurturing future trades leaders is critical.
From residential bricklaying and carpentry to the precision of tiling and plastering, these competitors represent trades in high demand. Their global training and exposure will only lift standards back home.
The construction sector is grappling with challenges: housing affordability, workforce shortages, and sustainability pressures. But the WorldSkills squad demonstrates the other side of the story, innovation, talent, and a generation motivated to raise the bar.
Training for Shanghai
In the coming months, squad members will undergo intensive training camps, including high-performance coaching, resilience building, and industry mentorship. They’ll also participate in a four-day team development camp to prepare for the pressures of international competition.
Construction experts such as Hosking, Grieger, Bell, Blasch, Denning, McGrath, and Job will play pivotal roles in fine-tuning technical skills and ensuring competitors are prepared not only to compete but to excel.
The TGB Take
At The Good Builder, we’ve long argued that restoring trust in construction requires celebrating those who are getting it right. The WorldSkills national squad is living proof.
They are apprentices, trades, and young professionals who have turned hard work into opportunity. They show clients, educators, and builders alike that the next generation is ready to take responsibility for the industry’s future.
As Shanghai 2026 approaches, Australia’s construction community should rally behind these competitors, not just as athletes on a global stage, but as leaders who will shape how we build homes, communities, and industries for decades to come.
The WorldSkills national training squad is more than a list of names. It’s a signal of what’s possible when apprentices are given the right training, mentorship, and recognition.
For construction, it means a stronger pipeline of skilled trades. For Australia, it means standing tall on the global stage.
As Trevor Schwenke put it: “WorldSkills is more than a competition – it’s a platform to showcase potential, elevate ambition, and celebrate the skilled professionals shaping Australia’s future.”
The countdown to Shanghai has begun. And with competitors like Seiler, King, Harms, Downing, McIntyre, Billerwell, Wilkinson, and Harrison—backed by experts like Hosking, Grieger, Bell, Blasch, Denning, McGrath, and Job Australia’s construction sector has plenty of reasons to be optimistic.
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