Two Territory vocational training students studying business services and retail baking have won bronze medals at the 2023 WorldSkills National Championships held in Melbourne as part of a six-member team from Charles Darwin University.

CDU VET in-school student (VETiS) Khiandra Fabian won the Bronze Medal for VETiS Business Services, while CDU Retail Baking student Jade Reichstein won the bronze medal for Retail Baking (bread) category.

Ms Fabian who recently completed her Certificate III in Business at CDU, as part of the NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services Cadetship at the Waterfront Campus, is already looking to compete again at the next WorldSkills which run every two years.

Jade Reichstein and Khiandra Fabian.

“It was all very exciting; I really wasn’t sure what to expect but it was such a welcoming environment where learning was at the forefront,” she said. “It was great to put all the expertise and knowledge I’ve been practising for so long to the test during the competition.”

The six CDU students, whose expertise range from Beauty Therapy to Electro technology, displayed their skills and knowledge during the championships proving to be among Australia’s best in their respective fields.

Pro Vice-Chancellor and CDU TAFE Chief Executive Mike Hamilton said the championship was a chance for NT students to highlight their skills.

“It is a privilege to be able to showcase just some of the talent we have from across the NT. As the NT’s only TAFE we will work towards growing our students’ participation and hopefully see a more diverse group of competitors from the NT in the future,” Mr Hamilton said.

Alice Springs locals and CDU Beauty Therapy Alumni Gemma Cowan and Ella Adami also competed in their respective fields. Ms Cowan received a Certificate of Excellence for her outstanding performance.

CDU VETiS Electrotechnology student Riley Dwyer and CDU Carpentry student Sascha Waldron were also part of the NT team.

The WorldSkills National Championship is held every two years, highlighting the very best of Australian skills excellence and career pathways.