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Skillz & Thrillz: Alberta's Trade & Tech Youth
Through in-depth conversations, we aim to provide valuable advice and insightful perspectives on the impact of the Skills Canada competitions on the careers and lives of our guests. Join us as we explore the journeys of Alumni and many others and uncover the lasting effects of their participation in the Skills Canada Competitions.
The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Skills Canada Alberta or its affiliates. Our goal is to provide a platform for the diverse and unique perspectives and experiences of our Alumni and others in the Skills community. Overall, we are celebrating their experiences and journeys in the trades, technologies, and our competitions. The “Skills Canada Alberta” name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.
Episodes
35 episodes
Frame By Frame: Wynn Brown's Video Production Journey at Skills Alberta
In this episode, we sit down with alumnus Wynn Brown, who competed in Video Production in both 2023 and 2024. Alongside his teammate, Kiyan Karimaghaei, Wynn placed first at the 2024 Provincial Skills Canada Competition, earning their spot on T...
From Skills Stage to Silver Screen: Chase Cardinal's Special Effects Journey
In this episode, we sit down with alumnus Chase Cardinal, who competed from 2017–2018 in Job Skill Demonstration, showcasing his talent in special effects makeup and prosthetics application.Chase starts by sharing how he first discovered...
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Precision in Motion: Jacob McClelland's CNC Milling Adventure to Team Canada
Welcome to another episode of the Team Canada Podcast Series!In this episode, we sit down with Team Canada competitor Jacob McClelland, who will be representing Canada in CNC Milling at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.Jacob’s interest i...
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Where Safety Meets Skill: Annika Cameron's Workplace Safety Competition Experience
In this episode, we’re joined by Workplace Safety alumna Annika Cameron. Annika began her Skills journey in Grade 10 after a teacher encouraged her to try the Skills Alberta competition — and that one “yes” turned into three years of competing ...
From Skills to Shanghai: Kylar Bloomberg's Plumbing Path to Team Canada
In this episode we sit down with Kylar Bloomberg, representing Team Canada in Plumbing, as he prepares to compete on the world stage at the WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai in 2026. Kylar shares how his Skills journey began through mentorshi...
Designing the Future: Bella Kehoe's Skills Alberta & Graphic Design Journey
In this episode, we sit down with Bella Kehoe, a talented Graphic Design alumna whose Skills journey continues to come full circle.Bella first competed in 2023, earning gold at the Provincial Skills Canada Competition and securing her sp...
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Primed & Polished: Anika Jones' Car Painting Route to Team Canada
Welcome to another episode of the Team Canada Podcast Series!In this episode, we sit down with Team Canada competitor Anika Jones, who will be representing Canada in Car Painting at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.Anika’s path started a...
Mastering the Mechanics: Tyler Gunther's Rise to Team Canada
Welcome to another episode of the Team Canada Podcast Series!In this episode, we sit down with Team Canada competitor Tyler Gunther, who will be representing Canada in Industrial Mechanics/Millwright at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.T...
Crafted for Competition: Logan Peters' Path to Representing Canada in Carpentry
Welcome to another episode of the Team Canada Podcast Series!In this episode, we sit down with Logan Peters, who will be representing Canada in Carpentry at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.Logan’s carpentry journey began back in Grade 1...
Full Voltage Focus: Keegan Sturge's Electrical Journey to Team Canada
Welcome to another episode of the Team Canada Podcast Series!In this episode, we sit down with Keegan Sturge, who will be representing Canada in Electrical Installations at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.Hailing from Fort McMurray, Kee...
Cut, Carve, Compete: Tate McGarry's Path to Team Canada
Welcome to another episode of the Team Canada Podcast Series! In this episode, we sit down with Tate McGarry, who will be representing Canada in Cabinet Making at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.Tate’s love for woodworking started ...
Fueled by Passion: Carter Kokot's Road to Team Canada
Welcome to another episode of the Team Canada Podcast Series!In this episode, we sit down with Team Canada competitor Carter Kokot, who will be representing Canada in Automobile Technology at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.Carte...
Forged in Fire: The Welding Journey of Team Canada's Lucas Stang
Welcome to another episode of the Team Canada Podcast Series!In this episode, we sit down with Team Canada competitor Lucas Stang, who will be representing Canada in Welding at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Lucas’s journey began at Red Deer...
Soaring to New Heights with Team Canada: Benjamin Jamison's Aerospace Journey
Welcome to another episode of the Team Canada Podcast Series!In this episode, we sit down with Team Canada competitor Benjamin Jamison, who will be representing Canada in Aerospace Technology. Benjamin shares his passion for aircr...
Fueling Success: Luke Emeny's Journey through Heavy Vehicle Tech to Team Canada
Welcome to the first episode of the Team Canada Podcast Series! In this episode, we sit down with Team Canada competitor Luke Emeny, who will be representing Canada in Heavy Vehicle Technology. Luke shares his Skills journey, from trai...
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Sisters in Insulation: Breanne & Kehli Warrington on Competing, Learning, and Working Together
Breanne and Kehli Warrington are sisters in the trade! Together, they’ve built their careers in Mechanical Insulation — studying side by side at NAIT, working on-site together, and most recently, competing together at the 2025 Provincial Skills...
Bots, Gears, and Glory: Kade & Marek's Robotics Ride
In this episode, we sit down with Kade Hamre and Marek Fournier from Brooks Composite High School, the robotics duo who powered their way to gold at the 2025 Provincial Skills Canada Competition—earning a spot on Team Alberta—and went on...
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Amped Up: Diego's Electronics Journey from Circuits to Competition
In this episode, we sit down with Diego De Dominicis Barrios, gold medalist in Electronics Secondary at the 2025 Provincial Skills Canada Competition. His win earned him a spot on Team Alberta for the 2025 Skills Canada National Competition in ...
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One Brick at a Time: Mikayla Hannesschlager's Journey of Confidence and Competition
In this episode, we chat with Mikayla Hannesschlager, gold medalist in Bricklaying at the 2025 Provincial Skills Canada Competition and proud member of Team Alberta at the 2025 Skills Canada National Competition in Regina. Mikayla shares her jo...
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In Focus: Rachel Turner's Lens on Success
In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Turner, gold medalist at the 2018 Provincial Skills Canada Competition in Photography and bronze medalist at Nationals—as she shares her inspiring journey through the world of Skills competitions and bey...
Currents of Change: Zack Hartle on Competing, Teaching, and Empowering the Industry
In this episode, we sit down with Zack Hartle, a Skills Canada Alberta alumnus, two-time gold medalist in Industrial Control, Electrical Trades Instructor at SAIT, and co-host of the Watts the Word podcast. Zack shares his inspir...
Nailing the Interview: Veronica Kjolberg's Job Search Skills for Success
In this episode, we sit down with Veronica Kjolberg, a proud Skills Canada Alberta alumna whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. Veronica competed in 2022 and 2023, capturing gold at the 2023 Skills Canada National Competition in Winnipeg...
Pro Tips for Provincial Success: Advice from Skills Alumni
In this episode, we’re taking a look back at some of the incredible advice shared by Skills Canada Alberta alumni featured in past episodes. Whether you're gearing up for the 2025 Provincial Skills Canada Competition or preparing for future com...
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Wired, Crafted, & Connected: Laine and Taylor's Friendship Forged at Skills
In our first-ever joint episode, we’re joined by Laine Van Hardeveld and Taylor Desjardins, two standout Skills alumni whose paths crossed in the most inspiring way. Laine, a Mechatronics and Millwrights competitor and Skills Canada Alberta’s 2...
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Fake Cuts, Real Skills: Brittany's Job Skill Demo and Aesthetics Journey
In this episode, we sit down with Brittany Kellow, a Teaching Assistant at the Aesthetics Institute, whose Skills story began in 2018 with a creative special effects makeup demonstration in the Job Skill Demonstration competition. After refinin...
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