Healthcare learners put skills to the test at WorldSkills regional competition

Swinburne University of Technology has hosted its first WorldSkills healthcare regional competition, supporting learners to hone their skills on the road to national and international competitions. 

Diploma of Nursing students Grace Carlile, Paige Butler and Caitlin Myers competed in the regional competition held at Swinburne's Wantirna campus. 

Described as the "vocational education Olympics", WorldSkills Australia regional competitions  bring together over 6,000 learners across a range of skills to compete in realistic, high-pressure environments. 

Medallists from the regional competitions will advance to the 2027 WorldSkills Australia National Championships in Adelaide, where the nation’s top competitors will have the chance to represent Australia on the international stage. 

Building confidence through competition

WorldSkills healthcare competitors are assessed on therapeutic communication, clinical skills, documentation and safety as future enrolled nurses. This assessment provides learners with an opportunity to demonstrate the technical expertise, skills and professionalism required in real-world healthcare environments.

Nursing student Grace Carlile chose to compete to help hone her skills. 

"I had a deep desire to study at Swinburne, but I entered the WorldSkills competition to test my practical skills under pressure and build my confidence further."

Adding that "If I were to progress to the national or international competition, I would feel a huge accomplishment for myself and would be proud of the opportunity to represent Swinburne."

Fellow student Paige Butler said her studies, including practical lab classes and tutorials, have given her the knowledge, skills and confidence she needs to compete, while also helping her prepare for her future in nursing. 

“WorldSkills challenged me and my brain loves a challenge, but the thing that’s helped me most is all my wonderful teachers. They all have huge knowledge bases that have taught me how to be a good nurse,” she said. 

Andrea Buckwell, a registered nurse with over 25 years' experience, is a teacher in the Diploma of Nursing course and healthcare competition mentor. 

She explained that vocational education helps bridge the gap between theory and practice, while competitions like WorldSkills give learners the opportunity to test and refine their skills under pressure. 

"Healthcare can be fast-paced and unpredictable, and these competitions help learners develop the skills they need to thrive in those environments," she said.

"In healthcare, it's not enough to just know the theory. Learners need opportunities to practice skills, develop confidence and learn to communicate effectively with everyone."

Andrea added that she hoped "learners come away from the WorldSkills competition with a greater belief in themselves and what they're capable of achieving."

Swinburne’s Director of Health, Science and Community, Debbie McLaughlin explained that competitions such as WorldSkills play an important role in building the confidence, capability and workforce readiness of future healthcare professionals.

"As Australia's healthcare needs continue to grow, it's essential that learners have opportunities to develop and apply their skills in realistic environments. WorldSkills provides valuable experience that builds confidence, capability and workforce readiness."

She added, "hosting Victoria's first WorldSkills healthcare competition reflects Swinburne's commitment to developing future healthcare workforces through industry-connected, practical learning experiences."