In summary

  • Three Swinburne University of Technology students represented Australia at the 2024 WorldSkills International Championships in Lyon, France
  • Nellie Holder was awarded a Medallion for Excellence in Graphic Design Technology
  • Will Vestergaard and Magnus Andersson competed in Mechatronics, gaining valuable experience on the world stage. 

The WorldSkills International Championships is the world’s largest international skills competition, with 1,400 competitors from over 70 countries showcasing their talents across 59 professions. 

This year’s event attracted over 250,000 visitors, providing a global platform for young professionals to demonstrate their skills and make valuable industry connections. 

Check out our video to see how Swinburne University of Technology students prepared for the international competition

Showcasing creative excellence

Nellie Holder, a recent graduate of the Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design at Swinburne, competed in Graphic Design. Nellie impressed the judges with her innovative approach to materials and packaging and was awarded a Medallion for Excellence in Graphic Design Technology. 

In a world of single use plastics and other environmentally damaging packaging, Nellie Holder is on a mission to rethink how we approach sustainable design. As a graphic designer, she is at the forefront of exploring innovative materials and packaging types to create a greener, smarter future.

“In my competition journey, I have had to deal with anxiety about whether my work would be good enough and whether I belong. Those fears just motivated me to work harder, develop and refine my skills, and be my best so that I can hold my head high,” Nellie said.

Mechatronics duo

Engineering students Will Vestergaard and Magnus Andersson demonstrated their skills in Mechatronics. Their performance caps off a remarkable journey, having previously won the Tjerk Dusseldorp Best in Nation medal at the 2023 National WorldSkills competition and a friendly Global Skills Challenge in Melbourne earlier this year. 

Will, who is currently completing his Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology at Swinburne, was surprised by the opportunities he could access through vocational education. 

“Undertaking a vocational course at Swinburne was something I knew would allow me to have the best shot at working in a field that I like, and particularly working with my hands. But I never could have imagined having the opportunity to compete on an international level,” he said.

Swinburne student Nellie Holder competing in the Graphic Design competition.

A global stage for vocational skills

Bringing together leaders from industry, education and government, WorldSkills emphasises the vital role skills play in tackling global challenges, strengthening economies and industries, and promoting excellence.

For Swinburne, this competition showcases the strength of our vocational education programs, which emphasise practical experience, innovation, and job readiness. 

"I’m so proud of our students for their incredible efforts representing Australia at the WorldSkills International Championships. It’s fantastic to see vocational education taking the spotlight on a global stage, showing the world the value of hands-on, practical learning,” said Madelyn Bolch, Swinburne Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Vocational Education and Training.

“Nellie, Will and Magnus’s achievements reflect the strength of our vocational programs and the bright futures they lead to." 

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