How the WorldSkill Competitions are organised
WorldSkills NZ (WSNZ) is the only New Zealand organisation officially affiliated with WorldSkills International, the organisation which manages the WorldSkills International Competition. The New Zealand WorldSkills team, the Tool Blacks is selected by our Technical Committee after the biennial WSNZ National Finals.
Entry to WSNZ Regional competitions is open to those either in training or who have finished their training, and are under the age of 22. To be selected for the WSNZ National finals competitors must be under the age of 22 as at the 31 December of the year of the competition.
Competitor numbers at WSNZ competitions varies – on average there are approximately 500 regional competitors and 120 National Competitors.
WSNZ Regional Competitions
WSNZ promotes excellence in Young New Zealanders through trade/skill based competitions under the registered name -World Skills New Zealand
Regional competitions are held every two years. The 8 regions are: Auckland,Canterbury, Central North Island, Northland, Otago/Southland, Waikato/Bay of Plenty, Wellington and NZ Defence Force.
WSNZ National Competitions
National competitors, all under the age of 22, are sourced from the 8 regional WorldSkills NZ competitions, other industry specific competitions, direct from industry or from apprentice block courses. The selected competitors in each of the skills represented who meet the criteria for entry are brought together at a single venue to find the country’s highest skilled champions.
The National Finals combine the excitement of the competition with the educational elements of a practical examination. They highlight on-the-job excellence by testing the key skills in each category. In some vocations, this involves working from a blueprint to make a specific object. In others, competitors follow a routine set of tasks that are frequently met in the working environment.
From the National Finals a team is selected to represent New Zealand at the WorldSkills International competition where they will compete against teams from the member countries.
WSNZ International Competitions
Held every two years, the WorldSkills International competitions,act as an International audit of skill standards in over 50 countries. The worldwide demand for well-trained and committed young people has never been higher. New jobs are being created in all branches of industry and commerce. There will be intense competition in the years ahead to recruit young people to take New Zealand through the twenty first century and maintain a level of international competitiveness.
It is expected that the coveted medals, the honour of representing their country and the comradeship of international competition, will attract over 900 competitors from all around the world.