The road to Shanghai 2026 has begun, and it’s being paved by forty determined young Australians. Over the weekend, the 2026 Team Australia Training Squad came together at Canberra Institute of Technology’s Woden campus for a national development camp that marks the first official step in their journey to the 48th WorldSkills International Competition.
Across four intensive days, the training squad worked through a packed schedule. Team-building exercises, high-performance training, resilience coaching, and communication workshops were all part of the mix. Stirling Mortlock, former Wallabies captain, delivered a keynote session on high performance. Annie Harvey led a workshop on resilience. There were mentoring activities tailored to the needs of each skill category and a visit to the Australian War Memorial to remind the team of the values of discipline and commitment.
This early preparation is as much about culture as it is about competence. Forming strong relationships and learning how to support one another is seen as just as important as perfecting a trade or skill. The development camp brought together competitors, team leaders, and subject experts, offering a rare chance for the entire squad to align on expectations and goals before training ramps up over the next twelve months.
Later that evening, the squad made their way to Parliament House for the official team launch. Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles, formally recognised the competitors in front of more than 200 stakeholders. There was applause, pride, and a quiet understanding of what’s to come. Training plans will soon kick into full swing, with each competitor entering an intense year of preparation.
Among them is Rajeev Jawaji from Point Cook, who will represent Australia in the web technologies category. Federal Member for Gellibrand, Tim Watts, took to social media to express his support. “I was proud to see Point Cook represented in Canberra this week at the @worldskillsau 2026 Team Australia Launch,” he said. “Congratulations to Rajeev Jawaji for qualifying as a competitor in web technologies, representing Australia at the 48th WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai next year. Good luck Rajeev as you train and prepare in the year ahead—our community will be cheering you on!”
The enthusiasm spilled into the following day. On Monday, 1st September, the full training squad met Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The group gathered for a photo alongside Minister Giles, who once again encouraged the team and acknowledged their work ahead. For the 39 competitors selected, this moment of recognition from the country’s leaders gave shape to what might have still felt like a distant dream.
WorldSkills competitions are no small affair. Held every two years, they bring together the most skilled young professionals from over 80 countries to compete in categories ranging from mechatronics and plumbing to bakery and fashion technology. It’s a test of precision, speed, and nerves. But more than that, it’s a statement about how a country values its vocational talent.
The Australian squad, sometimes referred to as the Skillaroos, has historically punched above its weight at these events. Shanghai 2026 will offer a fresh chance to do so again. But the competition is fierce, and the next 12 months will demand a great deal from the team.
For now, though, they’ve had their moment. Surrounded by mentors, ministers, and one another, the 2026 Team Australia Training Squad has stepped into the spotlight. The hard work begins immediately—but the foundation has been set.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
