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.
Skillz & Thrillz: Alberta's Trade & Tech Youth
Chef's Table to Judge's Table: Alyssa Paron's Full-Circle Culinary Arts & Skills Journey
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In this episode, we sit down with Culinary Arts alumna Alyssa Paron, who takes us through her inspiring journey in the culinary world, from competing in the 2015 Skills Canada Alberta Competition, where she earned silver, to advancing to the national stage in Saskatoon later that same year.
Alyssa shares what it was like stepping into the high-pressure environment of culinary competition and how those experiences shaped her career path. Growing up in Alberta, she was also inspired by her family connection to the culinary industry; her grandfather was a well-known chef in the Edmonton area with experience working in restaurants across Jasper and Banff.
Her Skills journey did not end at competition. Alyssa reflects on how she stayed connected to the community by joining the Provincial Technical Committee (PTC) and becoming a judge, helping guide and support the next generation of competitors.
She also talks about her time studying at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), where she was mentored by instructor Ian Campbell, a key role model in her development as a chef and educator.
Today, Alyssa works as an Educational Laboratory Technician at NAIT, where she supports culinary students and instructors in the kitchen every day. She shares her passion for teaching, mentorship, and her long-term goal of becoming an instructor herself.
From competitor to mentor, Alyssa’s story is all about giving back, staying connected, and finding fulfillment in helping others build their skills and confidence in the culinary arts.