On the vast stage of WorldSkills, a distinctive figure brings inspiration from nature to the art of baking. Rachel Crawford, a pastry chef from Australia, has been appointed as a Global Skills Dream Ambassador for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. As the WorldSkills Champions Trust representative for Oceania and ASEAN, she is not only recognized for her exceptional pastry skills, but also for her passion and sense of purpose in inspiring the next generation, making her a leading advocate for skills development across the region.

From the kitchen to the global stage: The journey of a pastry chef

Rachel’s skills journey began with a simple and pure motivation — she has always found joy in creating delicious pastries for others. A nature-loving baker, she often draws inspiration from walks through wildlife reserves in Brisbane, bringing the colors, flavors, and design ideas of the natural world into her pastry creations.

When she first entered the world of skills, she never imagined she would one day become a role model for young people around the world. A turning point came when she joined the WorldSkills Champions Trust. “I applied because I wanted to be a part of a movement that motivates youth to follow their passion, learn new skills, and push out of their comfort zone,” Rachel recalled. “When I got the email that said that I was accepted, it was one of the happiest days of my life. I could not believe it.” In 2023, she became the first Australian to join the group, opening the door to a global stage.

Since then, Rachel has taken part in numerous international engagements, including speaking on International Women’s Day, presenting to WorldSkills Members at the WorldSkills General Assembly in Dublin 2023, and joining global forums alongside other thought leaders in skills. These experiences have broadened her perspective and strengthened her commitment to engaging with emerging countries and expanding her global network. She notes that they have given her the confidence to step beyond her workstation and share her journey with young people worldwide.

Mission of the Global Dream Ambassador: Giving people the courage to take the first step

“For me, skills are a sense of purpose, and they have changed the direction of my life so profoundly. I am truly honored to be a Global Dream Ambassador for WorldSkills Shanghai. I cannot fully express how much this recognition means to me.”

In her new role, Rachel is committed to continuing her mission of inspiring young people. She deeply believes, “I love that my skill has a big impact on people’s day-to-day life. Bakery is essential for both nourishment and celebration and it is a privilege to use my skill to help people create memories, both big and small. As a Global Dream Ambassador and WorldSkills Champions Trust representative I have realized my impact is more than my baking. I can give people confidence to take the first step.”

To those who are hesitant about a skills pathway, she offers this heartfelt message, “If it’s what you truly love to do, that’s all you need. If you have always dreamt of doing it, do it. Take the leap of faith. It might seem scary in the beginning but it’s worth all the challenges you could come across. At the end of the day, when you do what you love, you never work a day in your life.”

Her message to WorldSkills Shanghai: Looking forward to a skills event that inspires the future

For the upcoming WorldSkills Shanghai, Rachel is full of anticipation. “I can’t wait to join the young people in Shanghai for the Competition. I am very much looking forward to WorldSkills Shanghai. I think it is truly not to be missed.”

She also shares her best wishes for both organizers and Competitors, “Best wishes to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026! May your outstanding organization bring about a successful and smooth Event. To all Competitors who are training hard and preparing with full commitment, I hope you take everything you learn from this experience and make it part of your journey, because you never know where it may lead. The future holds endless opportunities!”

As a highly skilled pastry chef, Rachel’s dream is to open her own patisserie shop. Her broader ambition, however, is to continue using the WorldSkills platform to share the value of skills with young people around the world. “That is why I say to those I meet to find ways to be bigger and better. Explore your passion, indulge in your skill, and always learn because skills are valuable,” she says.

From her kitchen in Australia to the global stage, Rachel Crawford demonstrates through her baking skills and heartfelt passion that when skills meet purpose, everyone can become a seed of change. As WorldSkills Shanghai approaches, she will continue using her craft to share this powerful message with young people around the world: skills can shape brighter futures.