The WorldSkills International Competition takes place every second year, bringing apprentices and trainees from around the world to a central location to test their skills across a range of trades – including jewellery manufacturing.
Claire Bextream, a Ferntree Gully jeweller who recently completed her apprenticeship, will represent Australia at the event, from 22 September to 27 September. She qualified earlier this year and had the chance to prepare for the big stage by competing at the Global Skills Challenge in Wollongong in June. She was stunned to learn she had been nominated to represent Australia.
“I am hoping that with this trip to Shanghai, I will stop, take in, and absorb everything that is truly happening. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I have the privilege to be part of,” she told Jeweller.
“I want to bring back knowledge and skill, build lifelong friendships with fellow Skillaroos and competitors, and make long-lasting memories.
“This will be an unforgettable experience, and I am hoping that I can help make WorldSkills more widely known. Before January, I had no idea it existed or was an option. It is such a massive event that showcases young people of many trades and skills, yet there is not enough knowledge or coverage about it in the world.”
Bextream first developed an interest in jewellery in Year 10 and, after completing work experience, took up a position at Precious Repairs in Ferntree Gully - a suburb at the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges outside of Melbourne.
She started a school-based apprenticeship in 2022 and later transitioned into a full-time apprenticeship, studying at Melbourne Polytechnic.
“I've always been a hands-on and creative person, and because I loved jewellery, I decided to give it a go. I quickly fell in love with the trade. Being able to use my creativity and skills every day to create something beautiful is what makes me truly love what I do,” she said.
"It was in late January 2026 when I got the call from one of my past TAFE teachers, Yuki [Mathwin]. She was calling to let me know that they were looking for someone to compete in jewellery for WorldSkills, and from my TAFE results, I was eligible.
"From there, I had a brief mini-competition against the other eligible people, and then I was selected. The experience has been life-changing."
Bextream added: "It has pushed me to become the best version of myself personally, and as a jeweller. I am so grateful for this opportunity and for the support of my fellow co-workers, mentors, and expert Jyothi [Forman].”
WorldSkills is the largest international skills competition and will feature more than 1,400 competitors from more than 70 countries and regions.
Participants will compete across 64 skills at Shanghai’s National Exhibition and Convention Centre, the world’s largest exhibition complex and more than 500,000 visitors are expected.
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