Good luck Charlotte and Arnold

Skillaroos Set for the World Stage

Two of our outstanding students are preparing to represent Australia at the world’s largest skills competition, with Arnold Shanahan and Charlotte Follett selected in the prestigious Team Australia Skillaroo squad for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

Their selection places them among Australia’s best emerging trades and vocational talent, following gold medal performances at the 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships. Both students will now carry not only the Australian flag, but also the pride of Geelong and The Gordon, onto the international stage.

Arnold will compete in Mechatronics. His passion for automation and technology began early.

“I started robotics in Year 8 and fell in love with tinkering with electrical things. It helped me discover a passion for building and programming.”

Since then, Arnold has developed his skills through both his apprenticeship and studies at The Gordon, earning national recognition and a place in Team Australia.

Reflecting on his WorldSkills journey so far, Arnold said:

It was an awesome experience. I enjoyed meeting so many people at the top of their trade, and it was great to see how I compare skills-wise with others my age.

Joining him in Shanghai will be floristry apprentice Charlotte Follett, whose creativity and passion for flowers have already earned her national success and industry recognition.

I’ve loved flowers for as long as I can remember, so when the chance to do my apprenticeship in Floristry came up I took it.

Charlotte’s journey has seen her excel in competitions and continue pushing herself creatively and professionally.

It pushed me outside of my comfort zone, but the experience taught me that I really do have confidence. It’s also taught me to push boundaries and explore new and old techniques.

The Gordon’s Chief Executive Officer, Joe Ormeno said Arnold and Charlotte exemplify the excellence, determination and real-world skills that vocational education helps foster.

“Arnold and Charlotte have already demonstrated that they are among Australia’s best. To earn the opportunity to represent their country at WorldSkills is an extraordinary achievement and reflects their talent, determination and commitment to their trades.”

“Everyone at The Gordon is immensely proud of them. They will be outstanding ambassadors for Australia, their industries and our region, and their success shows what can be achieved through vocational education and training. We will be cheering them on as they compete on the world stage.”

Their achievements serve as an inspiration to current and future students considering a career in the trades and vocational sectors.

From advanced automation systems to intricate floral design, the pair showcase the breadth of talent being developed at The Gordon.

We wish Arnold and Charlotte every success as they pursue world-class results and proudly represent Australia in Shanghai.

Follow along the Skillaroo's journey