Pearson and WorldSkills Australia partner to prepare young Australians for skilled careers as AI reshapes work

SYDNEY, Nov. 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world's lifelong learning company, has announced a new partnership with WorldSkills Australia to champion vocational skills excellence and support the development of Australia's future workforce.

Announced during Australia's Jobs & Skills Month (20 October - 20 November), the partnership brings together Pearson's learning, assessment and credentialing expertise with WorldSkills Australia's work promoting skills excellence to raise the profile of vocational pathways and strengthen connections between education and industry, at a time when technology and artificial intelligence are reshaping frontline and skilled trades.

Taha Haidermota, Pearson's Country Head Australia, said of the partnership: "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. As technology and AI increasingly augment skilled roles, workers need practical experience, technical expertise and the judgement to use new tools responsibly. Our goal is to champion the value of vocational education and help equip the next generation with the skills and confidence to thrive in an evolving workforce, building on the traditional craftsmanship and human expertise that remain essential to these professions."

The partnership comes as Australia continues to face shortages across skilled occupations. Jobs and Skills Australia's 2025 Occupation Shortage List found almost half (49 per cent) of technician and trades occupations were in national shortage, highlighting the need to strengthen vocational training pathways and develop the next generation of skilled professionals.

Pearson's 2025 Lost in Transition research highlights the importance of clearer pathways from education into employment, estimating that delays in entering the workforce cost Australians AU$12.5 billion in lost earnings annually. Its modelling suggests shortening the transition from 24 to 18 weeks could add AU$5 billion to the economy. The findings underscore the urgency of removing barriers to employment, strengthening career pathways and helping young Australians put their skills to work sooner.

The collaboration builds on Pearson's appointment as a WorldSkills Global Premium Partner last year, cemented by the Skillaroos' three podiums and 10 Medals for Excellence at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, exactly the vocational talent the local partnership aims to inspire.

Trevor Schwenke, CEO of WorldSkills Australia, said: "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. Our partnership with Pearson builds on this shared commitment to vocational excellence, bringing our expertise and networks together to strengthen connections between training and industry and help more young Australians see the opportunities skilled careers offer."

The returning Skillaroos were recognised at a Welcome Home Breakfast at Parliament House, Canberra, on 14 October, celebrating their achievements on the international stage and the opportunities vocational training can create. Among them was Bailey Lowes, a fitter and machinist from NSW who received a silver medal at last month's WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, showcasing the calibre of Australia's emerging trade talent.

Bailey Lowes shared: "I came into this trade with no background in engineering and had to build every skill through school, TAFE, competitions and with the support of incredible 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."

The Pearson and WorldSkills collaboration will also include engagement with senior industry and government leaders at the 2027 National Championships in Adelaide, strengthening connections between education, industry and Australia's future skilled workforce.

Notes to editors

• Pearson can provide interviews with: Taha Haidermota, Pearson Australia Country Head; Trevor Schwenke, CEO of WorldSkills Australia
• Imagery is located HERE

About Pearson 

At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realise the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com.

About WorldSkills Australia

WorldSkills Australia is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to promoting skills excellence and showcasing the value of vocational education and training. Through regional, national and international skills competitions, WorldSkills Australia provides a platform for young apprentices, trainees and students to demonstrate their talents, develop their skills and compete against the best in Australia and around the world.

Working alongside industry, educators and government, WorldSkills Australia champions the importance of skilled careers, celebrates the achievements of young Australians and inspires the next generation to explore the opportunities available through vocational pathways.

For more information, visit www.worldskills.org.au.

Media contacts 

Name: Yvette Hammerschmidt, Acuity Communications Advisory

Email: pearson@acuitycomms.com.au or pearson@thrivepr.com.au 

Phone Number: 0423 121 031