Welcome to WorldSkills New Zealand

Home of vocational skill competitions and much more

WorldSkills New Zealand is an independent, non-profit charitable trust founded in 1986, dedicated to encouraging excellence in vocational skills. Many people know WorldSkills for its competitions. This is just one part of what we do. We focus on competitions and the promotion and development of vocational skills and occupations throughout New Zealand.

The 47th WorldSkills Competition

Elliott Farnan (Aircraft Maintenance) from Auckland and Jack Butler (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning) from Taranaki wave the New Zealand flag at the closing of the 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France

In September 2024 our WorldSkills New Zealand competitors, delegates and experts participated in the 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France.

Our small team from New Zealand (competitors Elliott Farnan – Aircraft Maintenance and Jack Butler – Refrigeration and Air Conditioning) returned with a medallion of excellence in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, and solid experience of competing in and managing competition at a global scale.

Photo: Elliott Farnan (Aircraft Maintenance) from Auckland and Jack Butler (Refrigeration and Air Conditioning) from Taranaki wave the New Zealand flag at the closing of the 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France

Worldclass competitions happen with a magnitude of effort from worldclass teams: Congratulations to Jeroen Hattink, Michael Naus, Michael Hey, Elliott Farnan, Jack Butler, Carl Ranking, Neill Adkins, and Bryce Arnold

Photo: Worldclass competitions happen with a magnitude of effort from worldclass teams: Congratulations to Jeroen Hattink, Michael Naus, Michael Hey, Elliott Farnan, Jack Butler, Carl Ranking, Neill Adkins, and Bryce Arnold.

We built many more connections with other member countries and developed a broader base of knowledge and new skills for:
• stronger regional activity
• more rigorous benchmarking
• a more resilient VET system and
• a great start towards the 48th WSI Competition Shanghai in September 2026.

“We couldn’t have been prouder of everyone’s efforts in the lead up to and at Lyon. Heartfelt thanks to the whole squad. Congratulations to Jack and Elliott on their successes and achievements and special thanks to our New Zealand funder, sponsors, supporters, and employers for believing in the value of the WorldSkills movement.”
Carl Rankin, CEO WorldSkills New Zealand

Photo: Elliott Farnan, New Zealand representative for Aircraft Maintenance, on the tools during the WorldSkills Competition in Lyon.

Photo: Jack Butler, New Zealand representative for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, on the tools during the WorldSkills Competition in Lyon

We were privileged to have ten supporters, including employers and family, join us over the competition week in Lyon and acknowledge the generosity and support from our industry sponsors Air New Zealand and IRHACE, and our supporters Airbus NZ, NZ Defence College, NZDF and Active Refrigeration.