Every two years, teams from all over the world compete in a variety of skilled trade and technology-based challenges at the WorldSkills competition. With events in both secondary and post-secondary categories, youth from around the globe have the opportunity to showcase their skills in the trade or technology of their choice.
On Saturday, Jan. 18, Alberta’s government will be hosting a reception to celebrate and honour the six Albertans who represented Canada on the world stage at the 47th WorldSkills competition, which was held in Lyon, France in September 2024.
“I was fortunate to be able to attend this year’s WorldSkills competition in France, and the talent and dedication exhibited by Team Canada’s Albertan team members was incredible. I want to congratulate them on this achievement, and I know that their success will help inspire many more young Albertans to pursue careers and training in the skilled trades!”
Supporting Young Albertans in the Skilled Trades
Established in 1992, Skills Canada Alberta equips young Albertans with the skills needed to support Alberta’s ever-changing economy and to keep up with the workforce demands of tomorrow. Alberta’s government works with partner organizations, like Skills Canada Alberta, to promote apprenticeship education and ensure Albertans have the tools required to succeed in the economy, now and in the future.
“Apprentices play such a vital role in building the future of Alberta. I am so proud of the incredible accomplishments of these six talented Alberta students, and I can’t wait to see where their careers take them!”
Skilled tradespeople and journeypersons play a pivotal role in upholding and advancing industry standards. By making targeted investments in apprenticeship and the skilled trades, Alberta’s government is connecting students to fulfilling career paths that are key to Alberta’s economic growth and prosperity.
Competitors
From Sept. 10 to 15, 2024, the following Albertan competitors represented Canada at the 2024 WorldSkills competition:
|
Competitor |
Contest Area |
School |
|
Brooke Potiuk |
3D Digital Game Art |
Brooks Composite High School |
|
Judy Lan |
Baking |
NAIT |
|
Walter Loedeman |
Heavy Vehicle Technology |
Lethbridge College |
|
Noah Harding |
Plumbing |
SAIT |
|
Tyler Cherkowski |
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning |
SAIT |
|
Ben Rainforth |
Welding |
Red Deer Polytechnic |
Of special note, Ben Rainforth took home bronze in the welding event, standing out among the best welders in the world. Ben’s success speaks volumes about the talent and dedication of Alberta’s skilled tradespeople, and the strength of Alberta’s training and skills development ecosystem.
Quick facts
- Alberta offers 47 apprenticeship education programs and registrations have been rising sharply over the past two years.
- Budget 2024 invested an additional $24 million per year over the next three years to create 3,200 more seats in apprenticeship classes across the province.
Related information
Related news
- Promoting Alberta in Ireland, Germany and France | alberta.ca (Sept. 6, 2024)