FOUR talented TAFE students from Coffs Harbour have qualified for the national WorldSkills competition, which brings together the best emerging trades and skills talent from across the country.
The skills-based competitions operate at regional, national and international levels, and are aligned to National Training Packages, Apprenticeships Australia and Jobs Australia schemes.
TAFE NSW Coffs Harbour barbering graduate Fynn Robins is one of four Coffs Harbour students putting his skills to the test at the National Championships in Brisbane from 12-15 June.
Along with Connor Roberts (3D Digital Game Art), Zoe Mosti (Beauty Therapy) and Shannon Hopewell (Construction Steel Work), Mr Robins will compete with hundreds of vocational students over three days.
All are aiming for gold and the opportunity to showcase their skills as part of the Skillaroos team at the WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai in September 2026.
Mr Robins, 32, who works in a busy barber shop in Coffs Harbour, said the upcoming competition offers an opportunity for him to challenge himself.
“I’m really excited about the competition and thankful to be representing NSW,” he said.
“It will really push me out of my comfort zone, help me grow and open up new opportunities down the track.”
The barber has been fascinated with the trade since he was a young boy and would visit salons with his mum.
“The sound of hair being cut by clippers is so satisfying and I enjoy helping people and making them feel good,” he said.
“I feel really thankful to my previous TAFE NSW Barbering teacher Kate Collins who guided me through the Certificate III and is now volunteering to be my mentor.”
Zoe Mosti has always been interested in beauty therapy and left school in year 10 to start TAFE.
“TAFE is adult learning with more responsibility for your own learning and a lot more hands-on activity,” she said.
“I’m very excited to be given the opportunity to show my skills on the national stage.”
TAFE NSW Managing Director Chloe Read praised the students’ dedication and talent.
“These incredibly skilled Coffs Harbour students earned their place in the Nationals after excelling at the regional WorldSkills competition, with the ultimate goal of representing Australia on the international stage next year,” she said.
“WorldSkills provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to test their limits and build their confidence, teamwork, and practical skills with the help of their teachers and mentors.”
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan, said the success of TAFE NSW students at WorldSkills highlights the strength of the state’s vocational education and training system.
“These students are a shining example of the incredible pipeline of talent we’re delivering through quality vocational education and training across the state,” the Minister said.
“TAFE NSW provides world-class, hands-on training and gives students the skills and confidence to thrive in their careers. “Importantly, these students represent not only their community, but the future of Australia’s workforce.”
By Andrew VIVIAN
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