RDP student and other WorldSkills competitors celebrated in provincial reception

Jan 20, 2025 | 12:49 PM

On Jan. 18, the Government of Alberta hosted a reception to celebrate and honour six Albertans who represented Canada at the 47th WorldSkills competition, including Red Deer’s Polytechnic’s Ben Rainforth.

The WorldSkills competition showcases a variety of skilled trade and technology-based challenges and was last held in September 2024 in Lyon, France. Here, Rainforth took home a bronze medal in welding, standing out among the best welders in the world.

In addition to Rainforth, the following Albertan competitors also represented Canada on the world stage:

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 and Air Conditioning – SAIT

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“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,” shared Rajan Sawhney, minister of advanced education. “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!”

The government says Rainforth’s success in particular speaks to the talent and dedication of Alberta’s tradespeople.

by rdnewsNOW Staff

RDP student and other WorldSkills competitors celebrated in provincial reception

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