Representing Tasmania on the international stage
Published on: 01 Sep 2026
Tasmania’s only 2026 WorldSkills international competitor Rubi Everard, practising for the competition in Shanghai in September.
TasTAFE Certificate IV in Beauty Therapy graduate Rubi Everard is the sole Tasmanian representative in the 2026 Australian WordSkills Team: A squad of elite young apprentices, trainees and students who will be competing at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai in September.
Rubi’s mentors, teachers, family and friends gathered at Alanvale Campus this week for a celebratory afternoon tea, and to wish Rubi ‘good luck’ as she prepares to compete overseas.
Rubi is one of 38 Skillaroos competing across 64 distinct skill categories against more than 1,400 global competitors from more than 70 countries in fields ranging from cyber security and mechatronics to cabinetmaking, cooking, and plumbing.
“I’m scared, nervous, excited – all those things. It’s crazy how I’ve done my traineeship and finished my apprenticeship … and now I’m going to China. It’s a bit surreal but very, very exciting.”
Rubi had a taste of international competition earlier this year in Wollongong where she attended a full-scale simulation of the forthcoming international competition – complete with international opponents.
“Just being exposed to different countries and the way they go about their beauty services …the way their culture does it compared to ours, it’s very interesting and you can learn from each other which is amazing.”
Rubi’s introduction to the beauty therapy profession began in college when Rubi and a friend completed a Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics for ‘a bit of fun’. After receiving the vocational education award for her course that year, Rubi decided the beauty industry was for her – along with some gentle encouragement from her aunty, TasTAFE teacher Kylie Claire.
“My aunty is in the industry, and she’s influenced me as I’ve grown up, she’s helped me find my pathway, Rubi said.
“After college I got an traineeship through Inner Beauty Salon in Launceston and started my formal training with TasTAFE. Traineeships are great because you can do your training on the job and then attend TasTAFE to complete your practical and theory work. They match well together, and I’m still working at the same salon with Brittany Zuj – she’s an amazing mentor and has helped me throughout my traineeship.”
While the trip to Shanghai is Rubi’s first time overseas (“I’ve just received my passport for this trip”), Rubi is no stranger to the pressures of competition. She competed in the Tasmanian regional WorldSkills competition in 2024, which earned her a place in the State team competing at the WorldSkills national competition in Brisbane the following year, where she received a medallion for Excellence in Beauty Therapy.
“I love making people feel beautiful and empowered. I think life is so stressful. I try to ease that stress off people and make them feel good, relaxed and just make their day easier,” Rubi said.
And Rubi’s advice to other young people considering a career in beauty?
“If you have a passion for it, even if its just in one area, makeup, skin, beauty, massage – give it a go, try your best and have fun with it. That’s what I did and I’ve done well – so have a crack!”
Congratulations Rubi; we wish you the best of luck in Shanghai.
Interested in making a start in the hair and beauty industry? Check out our range of nationally recognised certificate courses: https://bit.ly/4bYdcjM
WorldSkills is a global non-profit movement that holds vocational skills competitions every two years. It highlights excellence in trades, technology, and service careers, helping young people showcase their talents and encouraging careers in vocational education and training.
