Medal-winning trade skills

The Global Skills Challenge event was held at TAFE NSW Wollongong from June 24 to 28, 2026. Competitors from 16 countries demonstrated their vocational skills and technical capabilities in 33 trade and technology categories including refrigeration and air conditioning, carpentry, cooking, cybersecurity, mechatronics, electrical installations, and health and social care.

There were six competitors in the RAC category: Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Korea, Japan and Hong Kong.  Korea took home the gold medal, while Taiwan scored the bronze.

The four-day competition was led by Joshua Seymour from RMIT, who will also be Australia’s expert and judge at the WorldSkills International Competition.

Skillaroo Morgan hails from the Hunter Region in New South Wales, and was named as Australia’s representative after winning the WorldSkills Australia national competition for HVAC&R in June 2025. He will be representing the trade and the nation at Shanghai from September 22 to 27, 2026.

Industry supporters of the HVAC&R Skillaroo include the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC), Kirby-Beijer Ref and Refrigerant Reclaim Australia (RRA).

Both Seymour and Morgan are supported by past judge and expert, Noel Munkman, Technical and Training Manager at the ARC.

“Events like the Global Skills Challenge help young tradespeople build the skills and confidence they need for international competition,” says Munkman. “The ARC is proud to support Adam, and the entire trade is cheering him on as he prepares to represent Australia on the world stage.”

Image: Adam Morgan and Joshua Seymour in action during Victorian Regional competition at ARBS 2026. Photo courtesy WorldSkills Australia.

• Keep an eye out for the upcoming edition of HVAC&R News Journal to read a full-length feature on WorldSkills Australia and how it supports the next generation of talent.

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