Taking Aussie cyber security talent to the world

Sawan in Lyon for the 47th WorldSkills Competition. He was a mentor for the Australian team and on the cyber security judging panel.

When a colleague moved to a new job, tech expert Sawan Singh saw an opportunity to get involved with WorldSkills, the world’s biggest skills competition. 

Now, fresh from the WorldSkills finals, Sawan is on a mission to encourage young people, registered training organisations and tech professionals to get involved in future competitions.

Sawan’s employer, Keysight Technologies - a provider of electronic design and test solutions - has long supported WorldSkills both in Australia and internationally.

When the opportunity arose, Sawan stepped up and volunteered to help.  

 “I’m so glad I did,” said Sawan, a Solution Consulting Engineer at the company. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to inspire young people to develop a passion for vocational skills and pursuing excellence.

“I’ve been able to mentor competitors and share my experience, which in turn has sharpened my ability to guide others through complex challenges, improving both my communication and problem-solving skills."

Sawan Singh (right) with WorldSkills Australia cyber security competitors Lachlan Gelavis and Kai Baharthah-King.

Global skills competition

 WorldSkills, sometimes described as the 'skills Olympics', is open only to young people and tests a wide range of vocational skills, from baking to bricklaying and cabinetmaking to cloud computing.

It runs on a two-year cycle, starting with local competitions in 34 regions around Australia, followed by state and national contests. Winners then advance to the global finals, which this year were held in France, just after the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

More than 1,400 WorldSkills competitors from nearly 70 countries and regions participated, supported by 1,200 volunteers like Sawan. Each gave their time and energy to make the competition a success.

“I first got involved three years ago,” said Sawan, “and soon after I was invited to become Australia’s chief judge for cyber security skills. It’s such a great thing to be part of I wanted to continue.” 

For the global finals, he mentored the two Australian cyber security finalists, Lachlan Gelavis and Kai Baharthah-King, both cyber security graduates from North Metropolitan TAFE in Perth. Kai was also named WA Vocational Student of the Year 2023.

Sawan also served on the judging panel for cyber security skills, assessing 40 competitors from 20 countries, including Australia.

Overcoming self-doubt

“This was the 47th WorldSkills competition,” said Sawan. “It’s only recently Australia has started competing in cyber security, and while we didn’t win this time, it was a real achievement for Lachlan and Kai to be finalists.”

 Reflecting on his journey, Sawan adds: “When I first volunteered, I had no idea what to expect and had to overcome self-doubt about my ability to mentor and support others. But the experience has been incredible.

“After my first competition, I knew I had to keep going. I strongly encourage others to get involved - it's a game changer for both young people and more experienced professionals."

About WorldSkills Australia

WorldSkills Australia is a social enterprise which passionately believes skills drive the future of young people, and of Australia. Its purpose is to identify, demonstrate and promote the excellence of Australia’s skills development. It’s the only Australian skills organisation that can provide global benchmarking across a wide range of skills. This is achieved by engaging in research, promoting skills, building careers, focusing on education and skills training in Australia, fostering international cooperation and development, and running skills competitions and leadership programs.

Ready to make a difference? Learn how you can get involved with WorldSkills.