Bailey Lowes has the chance to represent his country in China. Photo: Dan Johns.
Temora-based industrial mechanic Bailey Lowes has aced a Master Chef-style national championship for tradies in Brisbane and is now in the running to represent his country in China.
The 21-year-old will join 39 of the country’s top apprentices, trainees and young professionals in a national training squad of WorldSkills Australia, an organisation that promotes vocational excellence through competitions.
“If you’re a tradesman in any category, they host a regional competition through TAFE NSW. My whole class was invited to compete. Not everyone wanted to do it, but I really did as I’m passionate about my trade,” he said.
“It was like the TV shows Master Chef or My Kitchen Rules. You have an allocated time to build and make something under intense pressure.
“My competition was split into turning and fitting and I competed in both. I was assessed on my skills on the lathe and I was being monitored the whole time by four judges.
“It really tested my skills, you can stuff up when someone is watching every mistake. But I was able to finish my tasks in six hours.”
Over the next 12 months, Bailey and other squad members will undergo intensive training and assessment, with only some selected for the final team to compete against more than 1400 peers from over 60 countries at the 48th WorldSkills International Competition in Shanghai, China, in September 2026.
“The aim is to win gold in China, to show you’re the best in the world in your trade,” he said.
Bailey completed Year 12 at Temora High School and initially did an apprenticeship in plumbing before making the switch to industrial mechanics.
Bailey urges Year 12 students to consider a trade. Photo: Supplied.
“It’s an amazing field. I didn’t even know about it before but I love it. There are so many different parts of fitting, from excavators to cars and aeroplanes,” he said.
“I’d encourage everyone finishing their schooling this year to do a trade.”
NSW Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Minister Steve Whan congratulated the nine TAFE NSW students and graduates named in the national training squad.
“These outstanding individuals have proven themselves among the best in the nation and now have the chance to earn a place on the Australian team for Shanghai. They are a credit to NSW and to our vocational education and training system,” Mr Whan said.
TAFE NSW managing director Chloe Read said she was proud to see TAFE NSW talent on the national stage.
“WorldSkills is a launchpad for excellence, resilience, and the promotion of skills-based careers. TAFE NSW looks forward to supporting our competitors and experts, and celebrating their success along the way,” Ms Read said.
