Gordon students win at World Skills Nationals

2025-07-04

Gordon students win big at 2025 World Skills Nationals in Brisbane!

Our students have cemented The Gordon’s place as a leader in vocational excellence, with students achieving outstanding success at the 2025 National WorldSkills Competition held in Brisbane from 12–14 June. 

Competing among more than 600 of the nation’s top emerging trades and skills talent across 63 disciplines, The Gordon proudly brought home two Gold medals, four Bronze medals, and three Medallions of Excellence—a testament to the talent, dedication, and industry-ready training of its students.

Image of 3 medal winnings students who competed for The Gordon at World Skills Nationals

The Gordon had 10 students competing across 8 categories, supported by their teaching mentors. 

 
GOLD Medals


  • Charlotte Follett, Floristry - Mentor: Dayne Robinson
  • Arnold Shanahan, Mechatronics - Mentor: Andy Heath

 
BRONZE Medals


  • Joshua Zdybel, Mechatronics - Mentor: Andy Heath
  • Jay Zoutman, Mechatronics - Mentor: Andy Heath
  • Sacha Koschman, Beauty Therapy - Mentor: Amber Williams
  • Neda Naved, VETIS Hairdressing - Mentor: Hali Day

 
Medallions of Excellence

  • Caden Currer, Plumbing & Heating - Mentor: John McArthur
  • Shinay Grobler, VETIS Food & Beverage - Mentor: Andy Percy
  • Sophie Gorman, VETIS Commercial Cookery - Mentor: Russell Hall & Dale Willington

 
National Finalist


  • Samuel Whitehead, Automotive Refinishing - Mentor: Brett Petrovski

It was an absolute honour to see the competition in action and to watch our students compete. They were so well prepared, calm and professional. This is a true reflection of the fabulous mentoring and coaching from our teachers in preparation and throughout the competition.
-- Amanda Achterberg, Executive Director - Education Excellence at The Gordon

She said students had worked in the classroom and with their mentors for 6 months preparing for the national event after qualifying from the regional event, and their commitment to learning has paid off.

WorldSkills Australia plays a vital role in promoting a strong skills culture by celebrating excellence in vocational education, trades, and apprenticeships. Through national competitions and leadership programs, the organisation highlights the importance of skills training while fostering career pathways for young Australians. By supporting education, encouraging international collaboration, and empowering the next generation of skilled professionals, WorldSkills helps shape confident, globally competitive citizens.

"Winning gold at WorldSkills has been an incredible experience and something I’ll never forget," said Charlotte Follett, gold medalist in Floristry. "The competition was out of my comfort zone and pushed me to a new level with my skill. I’m proud to represent Geelong and Victoria on a national stage. The support from my family, friends, work, teachers and mentors has been amazing. It has really cemented my thoughts that I am in the right career and am really excited about the future."

Charlotte is an apprentice florist, working for Jacinta Young— a former National WorldSkills silver medallist and owner of Jacinta’s Flower Studio in East Geelong and coached by The Gordon’s Dayne Robinson.

Teacher John McArthur, who mentored Plumbing student, Caden Currer, said: “The WorldSkills experience has been an incredibly fulfilling one. As a teacher of Certificate III in Plumbing, it’s a great way to recognise and celebrate a student who truly strives for excellence.”

“Caden’s dedication to training and his composure throughout the three days of competition demonstrated impressive skill and resilience. The judges even commented on how calm and focused he remained under pressure.

He has grown significantly in confidence—both as a person and as a developing tradesman. Along the way, he’s formed strong connections with peers both within and beyond the plumbing community.”

Caden earned a Certificate of Achievement in the competition, placing him in the top seven nationally—an outstanding result for an 18-year-old who has just completed his first year of the course. 

Floristry Teacher/Mentor Dayne Robinson with Gold medalist Floristry student, Charlotte Follett.
Floristry Teacher/Mentor Dayne Robinson with Gold medalist Floristry student, Charlotte Follett.
Beauty Therapy student, Sacha Koschman and VETIS Hairdressing student, Neda Naved, with their bronze medals at the National WorldSkills Competition in Brisbane, Queensland.
Beauty Therapy student, Sacha Koschman and VETIS Hairdressing student, Neda Naved, with their bronze medals at the National WorldSkills Competition in Brisbane, Queensland.
Mechatronics student, Arnold Shanahan, competing at the National WorldSkills Competition in Brisbane, Queensland.
Mechatronics student, Arnold Shanahan, competing at the National WorldSkills Competition in Brisbane, Queensland.
Hospitality student, Shinay Grobler with teacher/mentor, Andy Percy, at the National WorldSkills Competition in Brisbane, Queensland.
Hospitality student, Shinay Grobler with teacher/mentor, Andy Percy, at the National WorldSkills Competition in Brisbane, Queensland.
Automotive Refinishing student, Samuel Whitehead at the National WorldSkills Competition in Brisbane, Queensland.
Automotive Refinishing student, Samuel Whitehead at the National WorldSkills Competition in Brisbane, Queensland.
Plumbing & Heating student, Caden Currer, competing at the National WorldSkills Competition in Brisbane, Queensland.
Plumbing & Heating student, Caden Currer, competing at the National WorldSkills Competition in Brisbane, Queensland.

Charlotte and Arnold are expected to represent Australia on the international stage at the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai in September 2026, where the nation’s top talent will compete against the world’s best.