PAP191: Australia's automotive Skillaroos for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

In this episode, Sam Street meets with Australia's automotive repair representatives for the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 event.

We begin our discussion by reviewing WorldSkills' origins as a not-for-profit charity for the last 40 years, and its role in promoting trades to students with Brigitte Collins. We speak to WorldSkills experts Paul Poverino and Cameron Killen along with our Skillaroos Sam Sheddon and Jack Richards about their roles and journeys to Shanghai, the pathways and standards involved in international body repair, and their experiences with global trainers, employers, and competitions. Our discussion gives us a behind the scenes look at industry partners like Axalta and Glasurit, and what it's like going from competing at local and then international competitions.

We wrap up by reviewing how WorldSkills Australia encourages industry involvement and highlights young talent.

Links & Resources:

WorldSkills Shanghai 2026

https://worldskills.org/what/competitions/worldskills-shanghai-2026/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/worldskills-australia/

https://www.facebook.com/WorldSkillsAU

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The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron

Producer: Steve Visscher