The Gordon achieves gold standard at national competition

STUDENTS from The Gordon have achieved outstanding success at the 2025 National WorldSkills Competition.

Held in Brisbane, more than 600 of the nation’s top emerging trades and skills from 63 disciplines participated in the event, with The Gordon securing two gold medals, four bronze medals and three medallions of Excellence.

Among the gold medal recipients was Charlotte Follett in floristry and Arnold Shanahan in Mechatronics.

Follett said winning gold at WorldSkills was an incredible experience, and one she will never forget.

“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 I am really excited about the future.”

Follett is currently working as an apprentice florist for Jacinta Young, a former National WorldSkills silver medallist.

The Gordon education excellence executive director Amanda Achterberg said it was an honour to see the competition in action and watch the 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.”

Students had worked in classrooms with their mentors for six months, preparing for the event following qualifications from the regional event.

Caden Currer, Medallion of Excellence recipient, was mentored by teacher John McArthur who 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,” McArthur said.

“Caden’s dedication to training and his composure throughout the three days of competition demonstrated impressive skill and resilience.

“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.

WoldSkills Australia promotes a strong skills culture and through national competitions and leadership programs, highlights the importance of skills training while fostering career pathways.

Other student winners from The Gordon included:

Bronze Medal: Joshua Zdybel, Mechatronics

Bronze Medal: Jay Zoutman, Mechatronics

Bronze Medal: Sacha Koschman, Beauty Therapy

Bronze Medal: Neda Naved, VETIS Hairdressing

Medallion of Excellence: Shinay Grobler, VETIS Food & Beverage

Medallion of Excellence: Sophie Gorman, VETIS Commercial Cookery

National Finalist: Samuel Whitehead, Automotive Refinishing

The two gold medal recipients will represent Australia at an international level at the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai next year.

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