(Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools/ supplied)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Welding competition

St. Joseph High School student wins gold at Skills Canada Alberta Competition

May 23, 2025 | 4:15 PM

St. Joseph High School Grade 12 student Dane Schmidt returned from the 2025 Skills Canada Alberta Competition with a gold medal.

Schmidt captured gold in the welding-secondary event at the provincial competition in Edmonton last week.

As a result, he earned a spot at the upcoming 2025 Skills Canada National Competition where he’ll represent the province.

“Winning gold at provincials is an incredible honour,” said Schmidt, in a media release. “The experience at Skills Alberta was challenging and rewarding, and I’m now really looking forward to competing at the national level. The skills competitions have taught me so much about my trade and myself.”

Mike Bownes, Fabrication Instructor at St. Joseph High School, said Schmidt’s gold medal is well-deserved and that his commitment through his training has been evident.

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Meanwhile, Tracey Millar, Career Pathways Coordinator with Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, said they are immensely proud of Schmidt’s success.

“His achievement highlights the strength of our career pathways programs and the dedication of our students and staff. Dane’s advancement to the national competition is a fantastic accomplishment and we wish him the best,” said Millar.

The Skills Canada National Competition will be held on May 29 and 30, 2025 in Regina, Sask.

“On behalf of the RDCRS Board of Trustees, I want to congratulate Dane on his incredible achievement at Skills Alberta Provincials,” said Board Chair Murray Hollman. “As a welder myself, I understand the level of skill, precision, and dedication it takes to compete at that level, let alone win gold. Dane’s success reflects his hard work and the exceptional support from our educators and community. We’re incredibly proud of him.”