Celebrating Swinburne's WorldSkills competitors

Three students from Swinburne University of Technology have been awarded first place at the WorldSkills regional competition award ceremony. 

Over 6,000 students compete in WorldSkills regional competitions held across Australia, testing a wide range of skills in realistic and high-pressure environments.

Jack Softley came first in the bricklaying event, with Tyler Harrison taking out first in the electrical installation competition and Ethan Centracchio scoring first in the VETiS plumbing event. 

Fellow trade students Lucca Falcone and James Crawford came second in the bricklaying and welding competitions respectively. Sophie Lown also scored second in the 3D digital game art competition. 

Reilly Neaves came third in VETiS carpentry, with Jarrad Sayers also placing third in welding. 

Paige Butler came third in the healthcare competition, the first one in Victoria held at Swinburne's Wantirna campus.

WorldSkills Victorian State Manager Mick Prato, who helped present the awards, said the competition gave students the opportunity to perform in realistic environments. 

“The competitions put them under pressure, so they learn how to handle that and be more productive in their workplace,” he said.

They now have the opportunity to progress to the 2027 National championships, held in Adelaide; top national performers can then represent Australia at the International competition. 

Competing on the world stage

Swinburne graduates Martin Cruz, Felix McPhail and João Marcos Boulomytis Correa represented Australia at the 2026 WorldSkills International competition in Shanghai, China. 

Three Swinburne graduates also represented Australia at the 2026 WorldSkills International competition in Shanghai, China in late September. 

Martin Cruz and Felix McPhail competed in the Industry 4.0 skill category, where teams use advanced digital technologies to develop secure and efficient production processes.

João Marcos Boulomytis Correa competed in the Mechatronics category, where competitors use emerging system technologies to run, problem-solve and maintain automated production equipment.

Felix and Martin both drew on their practical skills and knowledge in advanced manufacturing and engineering technologies from their studies in the Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology – Electrical.

Felix, who is now studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at Swinburne, said the high-pressure competition forced him to develop creative solutions on the fly.  

"It taught me I can perform well under pressure and I'm highly adaptable," he said.  

His teammate Martin agreed, adding that collaboration and prioritising his wellbeing helped him sharpen his performance. 

"The competition helped me realise putting myself under pressure allows me to grow and learn more effectively," he said. 

João studied an Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology (Mechatronic Engineering Design) at Swinburne, which helped him develop engineering knowledge and skills to solve problems and maintain automated mechanical equipment.

His experience competing in WorldSkills with passionate competitors has reinforced his drive to work in robotics and aerospace.

"It's shown me I'm more resilient and adaptable than I realised," he said.

Swinburne Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Vocational Education and Training Madelyn Bolch said the students' performances reflected both their capability and their commitment to their chosen fields.  

"WorldSkills gives our learners the opportunity to test themselves against industry standards and see what they are capable of. 

Their performance and approach to the competition are evidence of their outstanding talent, supported by our high-quality vocational education programs, dedicated mentors, and industry partners who provide invaluable experience and opportunities to develop their craft," she said.  

"Competing at WorldSkills isn't easy. We have enormous respect for what our competitors have achieved and look forward to seeing their potential continue to grow."