TAFE NSW Meadowbank hairdressing student, Michael Blazevic is sharpening his scissors in preparation to step into a skills battlefield with his industry peers in Melbourne next month.

The WorldSkills Australia 2023 National Championships will see over 500 vocational students converge in Melbourne over three days with their eye on a coveted gold medal. Michael is one of four students from TAFE NSW Meadowbank and TAFE NSW Ryde competing in the national competition.

WorldSkills hosts regional, national, and international competitions which celebrate excellence and showcase vocational educational and training. Winners from the Nationals are in the running to be selected for the Australian Skillaroos team to compete against more than 75 countries. The international championships have run every two years since 1950.

As part of the competition, Michael will be tested on a range of specialist hairdressing skills including creative haircutting and colouring, complex colour correction, designing and styling long hair, applying hair extensions, and working as a session stylist.

The 19-year-old has always had a passion for hairdressing and said he was thrilled to be representing the industry on the world stage.

“All of the practical experience I’ve gained through the TAFE NSW course and in the workplace has given me the confidence I need to succeed,” Michael said.

“Even though I’ve finished my course, my teachers remain a huge source of support. I’ve been going into campus every Monday afternoon to practice my cutting, colouring, and styling skills and staying back at the salon where I work to finesse my skills even further.

“I’m a big believer that if you want to be the best you have to train like the best, and it’s been great to have the support of everyone around me throughout this entire process.”

TAFE NSW Executive Director Education and Skills, Dr Raf Marcellino, said: “WorldSkills is Australia’s largest vocational education and excellence competition.”

“These highly skillful students have earned the right to represent Australia after besting all other local talent at the regional WorldSkills competition in Sydney,” Dr Marcellino said. 

“The ultimate goal for Michael will be to earn a place on the Skillaroos team representing Australia at the WorldSkills Competition in France next year.

“WorldSkills competitions provide TAFE NSW students with amazing and life-changing learning opportunities. 

“WorldSkills creates an exciting, interactive, and engaging environment for participants. The WorldSkills competition lifts their experience beyond technical mastery to embrace important life-long skills that will help them succeed individually and provide Australia with a world-class skilled workforce.” 

The WorldSkills Australia 2023 National Championships will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 17-19 August.

There are four students from TAFE NSW Meadowbank and TAFE NSW Ryde who are competing at WorldSkills. To arrange interviews and imagery, please contact TAFE NSW Media Team.

Local students competing at WorldSkills Australia 2023 National Championships:

Media contact: Emma Hughes, Communications Specialist, 0409 618 291, emma.hughes51@tafensw.edu.au