The end of this week will see the start of the 2010 National World Skills Competition, a wonderful and interactive demonstration of Australia’s finest trade and skills people.

Through a program of competitions aligned to the national industry training packages, World Skills Australia works to ensure that today’s young people have the skills and abilities to compete within a rapidly changing global marketplace.

The National Competition will run over three days from Friday 7 May to Sunday 9 May at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year, the competition is being held in conjunction with the National Careers and Employment Expo.

Following the outstanding success of the Skillaroos in the International Competition in Canada in 2009, I am excited to see what will be a very high level of competition in Brisbane, particularly in the service industry competitions of beauty therapy, restaurant service, cooking, floristry, hairdressing, tourism and retail.

I would encourage all students, parents, teachers, careers advisors or anyone interested in vocational education and training, stop by to see Australia’s best compete, have a go through the Try’a’Trade program or find out more about the exciting career opportunities available.

And finally, I wish all the competitors the best of luck as they compete for Gold.

Jeanette Allen

CEO Service Skills Australia