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By Chinook's Edge School Division

excellence

Chinook’s Edge students medal at regional skills comp, head to provincials

Mar 31, 2026 | 4:25 PM

Chinook’s Edge School Division story — From carpentry to hairstyling, the central Alberta and Calgary Regional Skills Competitions showcased some serious Chinook’s Edge talent, and the show’s not over. 

Across its regional, provincial, and national stages, the Skills Canada Competition offers an expansive, hands-on career exploration experience. The experience provides valuable exposure to industry-level expectations and competition standards. It challenges students in skilled trades and technologies to meet rigorous industry standards, sharpening their skills and strengthening their drive to excel in their trade of choice.

The competition also ensures accessibility for students from small communities, giving everyone the opportunity to participate.

This year, five Chinook’s Edge students in the Central Alberta Regional Skills Competition are moving on to the Skills Alberta Provincials, taking place May 6th and 7th at the Edmonton Expo Centre:

Logan Swanson – Gold Medal (Welding)

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Jaren Leaver – Silver Medal (Welding)

Ryder Mierke – Gold (Construction)

In the Calgary Regional Skills Competition, four Chinook’s Edge students from Hugh Sutherland High are moving on to Provincials: 

Auston Wright – Gold Medal (Carpentry), returning champion

Parker Holloway – 4th Place (Carpentry), first-time competitor

Carter Motz – 6th Place (Cabinetry)

Kael Jonasson – No regional competition (Electrical) 

“Seeing the growth of Ryder, Logan and Jaren over the last few years has been wonderful. The skills they’ve built both in and out of the classroom really helped them succeed,” said Cassandra Buck,  the Didsbury High School teacher supporting Central Alberta students through the process.

The competition highlights the importance of trades training in high school, providing students with practical skills and real-world experience. Participation continues to build momentum for dual credit pathways and skilled trades careers.

Logan Swanson, who competed and received a gold medal in welding at the Central Alberta Regionals, said, “I think it’s great to have trades training in high school because it gives practical skills and experience which will help define career paths in the future.” 

The Calgary Regional competition was a strong showing for Chinook’s Edge students from Hugh Sutherland School in Carstairs. Students competed against some of the most talented schools in the Calgary region and held their own with impressive results. The team delivered a strong overall performance and showcased exceptional competitive spirit. Their commitment, resilience, and passion for the trades were evident throughout the day, and their success reflects both their hard work and the strength of the program.

Cabinetry competitor Carter Motz said, “I think the competition is a great way to get us out of our comfort zone. It gives us opportunities to see how we match up with our competitors and gives us a drive to get better.”

Students (and the program) received support from parents as well. 

“It’s awesome that these students are learning and promoting the trades. Skills like this are life skills they can use forever, and it’s great to see competitions accessible for students from small communities,” said Shane Senecal, parent observer at the Central Alberta Regionals. 

Throughout the day, students displayed impressive ability, dedication, and resilience.

Ryder Mierke, who took home a Gold medal in Carpentry at the Central Alberta Regionals, said, “I made some mistakes, but I had to adapt and build around them. The judges threw a few curveballs, but I was able to adjust and complete the project.”

Hailey Bremer competed as a hairstylist. She said, “The Skills competition was an incredible experience to be a part of. It challenges your personal skills in an atmosphere that can be uncomfortable to many, but the skills you learn will be something you carry throughout your trades career journey. It encourages you to improve and better yourself. Although I did not win, I found improvement in myself throughout the entirety of my journey.”

Both teams are now preparing for Provincials in Edmonton, where they will compete alongside the best in the province. There is also excitement around the opportunity for more Chinook’s Edge students to attend and experience Skills Alberta’s Skill City trade fair and competitions.

(Story provided by Chinook’s Edge School Division)