The year of 2020 has been a tough year full of upheaval, challenges and in some instance’s new opportunities in the way we communicate, conduct business, and continue our training and education. In April 2020 WorldSkills Australia announced the postponement of the National Championships until early 2021, believing this would provide ample time for things to return to a significant level of normality to be able to hold an event worthy of showcasing skills excellence in Australia.
As the year has progressed and with monitoring of both the domestic and international environments, it has become clear that, although there now does seem to be light at the end of the tunnel, there still exists uncertainty around some logistical aspects which may affect the event.
After careful consideration and in collaboration with our event partners, the Western Australian Government as well as major event stakeholders, WorldSkills Australia have made the decision to move the WorldSkills Australia National Championships & Skills Show to 26 – 28 August in 2021.
We are thrilled that we have been able to secure these event dates with the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre with the support of the Western Australian Government and Western Australian Metropolitan TAFE’s we cannot wait to bring all the excitement and exhilarating competition of the WorldSkills Australia National Championships to Perth in 2021 as planned.
Our talented competitors have displayed resilience and tenacity to embrace new opportunities and enhance their skill level and employability through their dedication to the National Training Programme, which will be extended to ensure competitors have the opportunity to continue to engage with their peers and mentors so they are at their peak when the Championships commence. WorldSkills Australia wishes to acknowledge both the competitors and our volunteers (judges and mentors) who have embraced this new initiative and rose to the challenge of training their way to WA.
The delay in the National Championships will not affect the opportunity of a further pathway for any competitors (in eligible skills) of representing Australia at an International Competition, as WorldSkills International officially announced the postponement of WorldSkills Shanghai 2021 by one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
UPDATED KEY DATES – National Championships 2021
- Familiarisation & Opening Ceremony
- Wednesday 25 August 2021
- Competition Dates
- Thursday 26 August 2021 – Competition Day 1
- Friday 27 August 2021 – Competition Day 2
- Saturday 28 August 2021 – Competition Day
- Closing Ceremony
- Sunday 29 August 2021 – Closing Ceremony
We understand that this decision will be disappointing for some of you, but we also know that this decision is in the best interests of everyone involved in the event and we appreciate the understanding and support of our talented WorldSkills Australia community, at this time. We encourage you to follow all Government guidelines to maintain your health and wellbeing, and we look forward to seeing you all face to face, ready to witness greatness, discover potential, and explore skills excellence at Australia’s largest trades and skills competition in 2021!
We will be keeping you up to date in the lead up to the event over the coming months, so don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and refer to our website if you have any questions.