Edie Thurtell from Murwillumbah has been named in the WorldSkills Australia national training squad – the first step towards representing Australia at the 48th WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai, China, in September 2026.
Edie who trains in Certificate III Automotive at TAFE NSW Wollongbar joins 39 of the country’s top apprentices, trainees, and young professionals who excelled at the WorldSkills Australia National Championships in Brisbane earlier this year.
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Over the next year, squad members will undergo intensive training and assessment, with only some selected for the team to compete against more than 1,400 peers from over 60 countries.
Following her gold-medal-win in Automotive Mechanics at the WorldSkills National Championships in Brisbane, Edie is keen to put her skills to the test internationally.
“I want to push myself to do my best and make everyone, who has helped me get this far, proud,” Edie said.
“I didn’t expect to place at the WorldSkills Nationals, I was only in my second year at TAFE NSW at the time, but winning gold has solidified all the effort I’ve put in. It’s really boosted my confidence in my skills and in general.”
Taking talents overseas
Now in her third year of training, Edie continues to build her skills and will compete in smaller competitions as part of training in the lead-up to Shanghai.
Her advice to others considering a trade?
“Just do it. The amount of experience and skills you gain from just one trade is phenomenal,” she said.
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan congratulated the nine TAFE NSW students and graduates named in the national training squad.
“These outstanding individuals have proven themselves among the best in the nation and now have the chance to earn a place on the Australian team for Shanghai. They are a credit to NSW and to our vocational education and training system,” Mr Whan said.
TAFE NSW Managing Director Chloe Read said she was proud to see TAFE NSW talent on the national stage.
“WorldSkills is a launchpad for excellence, resilience, and the promotion of skills-based careers. TAFE NSW looks forward to supporting our competitors and experts, and celebrating their success along the way,” Ms Read said.