CoolDrive Supports Automotive Talent at 2025 WorldSkills National Championships

8 Jul, 2025

CoolDrive Auto Parts reaffirmed its commitment to Australia’s automotive industry by supporting the 2025 WorldSkills Australian National Championships and Skills Show, which was recently held in Brisbane.

As Australia’s largest vocational education and skills excellence competition, the WorldSkills National Championships brought together the best emerging tradespeople from across the country to demonstrate their technical capabilities, passion, and commitment.

CoolDrive, a long-time advocate for technical training and hands-on learning, played an active role in supporting this prestigious event.

At this year’s Championships, CoolDrive supported the Auto Electrical category by supplying high-quality Jaylec components and its General Manager of Training and Development, Scott Williamson offering on-site advice and expertise. 

Industry partner REDARC also provided valuable support, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in fostering skilled professionals.

Competitors in the Auto Electrical category were assessed across areas reflective of real-world workshop tasks, including schematic drawing and development, the installation of off-grid recreational power products, diagnostics for body control systems and spark ignition engine management, and starting and charging systems. 

A new addition to this year’s competition was a focus on electric vehicles, with participants tasked with depowering, repowering, and fault-finding EV systems.

Reece Gallagher from Northern Rivers Auto Electrical claimed the Gold Medal in the Auto Electrical category, while in the Automotive Mechanics category, Edie Thurtell, who was mentored by CoolDrive Technical Trainer Clint Flower, clinched Gold.

“The WorldSkills competition really does highlight the exceptional calibre of talent emerging through vocational training, as well as the dedication of those who mentor and guide them,” said Scott Williamson.

“Our involvement in WorldSkills reflects CoolDrive’s ongoing commitment to championing the next generation of automotive professionals. Through programs that support skill-building, innovation, and passion, CoolDrive will continue to empower this future talent.

“We extend our congratulations to each and every competitor - reaching the national stage is a remarkable achievement, and we’re proud to support them along the way.”

Next up for Reece, Edie, and the other winners from the WorldSkills Australia National Championships will be WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, which is set to take place from 22–27 September 2026.