31 Apprentices and trainees under the age of 25 have been selected to represent Australia as a Skillaroo, in 45 skill categories at the WorldSkills International competition in Leipzig, Germany in 2013.
“From traditional trades like plumbing and bricklaying through to floristry, fashion and web design, these young apprentices and trainees will be vying for the title of the world’s best in each of their categories.” Minister for Skills, Senator Chris Evans said.
Senator Evans explained that the Gillard Government provides $1.3 million annually to support WorldSkills Australia.
“The Team Australia Skillaroos can be likened to Olympic athletes in their preparations for the International Competition. Just like any Olympic athlete, they must sacrifice, train tirelessly and continue to strive for excellence as they work towards perfecting their skills for the competition,” says Mark Callaghan, CEO of WorldSkills Australia.

It should be noted that at Leipzig the Skillaroo team is ranked 7th in world.