Pearson Partners With WorldSkills Australia on Skills
The partnership aims to raise the profile of vocational pathways as Australia faces persistent skilled workforce shortages.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Internships
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Pearson has announced a partnership with WorldSkills Australia to champion vocational skills excellence during Australia's Jobs & Skills Month. The partnership combines Pearson's learning, assessment and credentialing expertise with WorldSkills Australia's work promoting skills excellence.
Why it matters
Jobs and Skills Australia's 2025 Occupation Shortage List found 49 per cent of technician and trades occupations were in national shortage. The partnership responds to these continuing shortages by promoting vocational careers to young Australians.
Pearson's 2025 Lost in Transition research estimates workforce entry delays cost Australians AU$12.5 billion in lost earnings annually. Shortening the transition from education to work from 24 to 18 weeks could add AU$5 billion to the economy, a projection that remains unconfirmed.
The players
Pearson
Pearson is a global learning company providing education, assessment and credentialing services across many countries.
WorldSkills Australia
WorldSkills Australia is the national body promoting vocational skills excellence and participation in the international WorldSkills competition.
The details
The partnership was announced during Australia's Jobs & Skills Month, 20 October to 20 November, with Pearson's Country Head Australia Taha Haidermota and WorldSkills Australia CEO Trevor Schwenke. Pearson was appointed a WorldSkills Global Premium Partner last year, and the partnership will include engagement with senior industry and government leaders at the 2027 National Championships in Adelaide.
Timeline
14 October 2026: Welcome Home Breakfast for the returning Skillaroos held at Parliament House, Canberra.
20 October to 20 November 2026: Australia's Jobs & Skills Month.
3 November 2026: Pearson and WorldSkills Australia partnership announced.
2027: National Championships in Adelaide with industry and government leaders.
Skills Pipeline
Australia's 2025 Occupation Shortage List recorded 49 per cent of technician and trades occupations in national shortage. The Pearson and WorldSkills partnership extends efforts to channel young people into these vocational roles.
Young Australians considering vocational careers may find more pathways into technician and trades roles as the partnership raises their profile. Those already in education can look to industry-linked programmes as a route into work.
The takeaway
Vocational training offers a practical route into the trades and technician roles where Australia's shortages are most acute. Students weighing their options can explore apprenticeship and internship pathways that connect directly with industry.
What happens next
The partnership will engage senior industry and government leaders at the 2027 National Championships in Adelaide.
Further reading
Explore more on Internships for pathways into vocational careers across Australia.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Macau Business.
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Would you encourage a young person in your life to pursue a skilled trade?
