Pearson and WorldSkills Australia have announced a new partnership to strengthen vocational training and industry connections, with a focus on preparing young Australians for technology-enabled trade careers, including in manufacturing.
Announced during Australia’s Jobs and Skills Month, running from 20 October to 20 November, the collaboration aims to promote technical excellence, raise awareness of vocational career pathways and connect training providers with industrial workplaces.
The partnership comes as Australia faces shortages across skilled occupations. Jobs and Skills Australia’s 2025 Occupation Shortage List found that 49 per cent of technician and trade occupations were in national shortage, highlighting the need to develop a pipeline of skilled mechanics, fitters and technicians for industry.
Pearson’s 2025 Lost in Transition research estimated that delays in entering the workforce cost Australians $12.5 billion in lost earnings annually. The research also modelled that reducing the transition period from 24 weeks to 18 weeks could add $5 billion to the economy.
Pearson Country Head Australia Taha Haidermota said the partnership would help more young Australians transition from education into employment.
“Together with WorldSkills Australia, we want to raise awareness of career opportunities in skilled trades and strengthen connections between learning and work to help more young Australians transition into meaningful, future-ready careers,” Haidermota said.
He said workers would need practical experience, technical expertise and the judgement to use new tools responsibly as technology and artificial intelligence increasingly support skilled roles.
The collaboration builds on the success of Australia’s Skillaroos at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, where the national team secured three podium finishes and 10 Medals for Excellence. The results highlighted the skills of Australia’s emerging trade workforce, including talent relevant to manufacturing.
WorldSkills Australia chief executive Trevor Schwenke said the team’s performance demonstrated the quality of the country’s vocational education and training system.
“The Skillaroos’ success in Shanghai demonstrates the quality of Australia’s vocational education and training system and the dedication of the experts who support our young talent,” Schwenke said.
Among the Australian medal recipients was NSW fitter and machinist Bailey Lowes, who won silver at the competition. Lowes said he entered the trade without an engineering background and developed his skills through school, TAFE, competitions and support from teachers and mentors.
“What I hope to show others is how far vocational skills can actually take you and that a vocational pathway can be a genuine, fulfilling career – not just a job,” he said.
The partnership will also include engagement with senior industry and government leaders at the 2027 National Championships in Adelaide, with the aim of strengthening connections between education, industry and Australia’s future skilled workforce.
