Skillz & Thrillz: Alberta’s Trade & Tech Youth Podcast
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.
Request a guest: Do you or someone you know have a Skills story they’d like to share on our podcast? If so, you can go ahead and request a guest here.
Listed below are the most recent episodes:
In our first episode, we sit down with Chelsea Dyck, a former Skills Canada Alberta competitor in Industrial Control, now a Master Electrician, entrepreneur, and advocate for women in trades. Chelsea shares her inspiring journey from the Skills stage to founding her own company, where she teaches women home repair and renovation basics. As a member of the Provincial Technical Committee for Industrial Control and a speaker at the GETT (Girls Exploring Trades & Technologies) Gathering, Chelsea is breaking barriers and empowering the next generation of women in trades.
Learn more about Chelsea’s company at heraelectric.ca!
In our second episode, we chat with Jacob Waldbillig, an Architectural Technology and Design Skills alum who went from winning silver to gold, and even competed at the national level in Halifax! Now the chair of the Provincial Technical Committee and a proud member of the National Alumni Committee, Jacob is giving back as an ambassador for Skills Canada, inspiring the next generation of competitors. Tune in to hear about his journey and dive into the world of architectural design—discover how the buildings we use every day are brought to life!
In our third episode, we sit down with Ben Rainforth, a true champion in the world of welding and a WorldSkills Bronze Medalist. Ben shares his incredible journey, starting as a young attendee at WorldSkills Calgary, to winning bronze in Welding at WorldSkills Lyon in France.
Discover how Ben transitioned from carpentry to welding, the rigorous training process, and the unforgettable experience of competing on the world stage. His dedication, perseverance, and passion for his craft shine through as he recounts the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights the power of skill, determination, and community.