Maffra’s Tom Harms is proving that great things come from Gippsland, with the fourth-year apprentice set to represent both the region and the nation at the 48th WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai next year.
Tom has been selected for Team Australia and will compete in the Electrical Installations category, benchmarking his skills against the world’s best.
Between February and October 2024, 743 WorldSkills Australia regional competitions were held across the country, involving almost 7,000 apprentices, trainees and students in 66 skill categories ranging from cookery, plumbing and automotive mechanics to cyber security and health care. Winners advanced to the 2025 National Championships in Brisbane, where 600 state finalists competed in front of more than 35,000 visitors, with a further 44,000 watching online.
From this highly competitive process, Tom was among just 39 Australians selected across 35 skill categories to wear the green and gold at the Shanghai event.
This week, Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester met with Tom in Canberra during a special WorldSkills Australia event at Parliament House to celebrate the achievements of Team Australia members.
Mr Chester said Tom’s selection was a remarkable achievement and a credit to his skill, determination, and the support of his community and training providers.
“Tom’s achievement is a testament to the talent we are growing in Gippsland and across regional Australia,” Mr Chester said.
“To be chosen to represent our country at such a prestigious international competition is an enormous honour.
“His success highlights the importance of apprenticeships and skills training in building career pathways for young Australians, and the critical role these industries play in strengthening our regional economy.”
The 2026 WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai will showcase more than 1,400 competitors from 65 countries, providing a global platform to celebrate and benchmark excellence in skills.
