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 this episode, we sit down with Tyler Cherkowski, a passionate and talented competitor in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning. Tyler’s journey through Skills competitions has been nothing short of incredible—he won gold at the 2023 Provincial Skills Canada Competition, competed at Nationals, and represented Canada on the world stage at the 2024 WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France.
Tyler shares how he discovered his passion for refrigeration, fascinated by the science behind cooling systems and determined to master the trade. He reflects on his once-in-a-lifetime experience competing in Lyon and the lessons he brought home from the world stage. Now, as a mentor, Tyler is shaping the next generation of skilled trades professionals, with two of his apprentices set to compete at the 2025 Provincial Skills Canada Competition. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about passion, perseverance, and the power of mentorship in the skilled trades.
In this episode, we sit down with Sierrah Bennett, a gold medalist in video production at both the provincial and national Skills Canada competitions. Growing up in Lloydminster, Sierrah never let the size of her hometown define the scope of her dreams. She shares how she pushed past doubts, proved her talent on the Skills stage, and embraced the mindset that you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
We dive into her transition from video production to photography, her creative growth, and how she’s now making her mark through Sierrah Bennett Media. Sierrah also talks about her role in inspiring the next generation by advocating for women in trades and technology through the Girls Exploring Trades and Technology (GETT) program, where she speaks on her experience and gives advice to young women at the GETT Conference. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on perseverance, creativity, and forging your own path in the world of media.
In this episode, we’re joined by the inspiring Lubna Ismail, a Public Speaking alumna who captivated audiences with her eloquence and energy. After earning silver at provincials, Lubna went on to achieve national success, winning gold at the 2024 Skills Canada National Competition in Quebec. Lubna shares her journey from competing on the provincial stage to excelling at the national level, offering valuable insights and advice for aspiring speakers. As she says, “It’s not about what you’re saying; it’s how you’re engaging with the audience.” She also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her role in winning the Team Spirit Award alongside fellow alum Euan MacKinnon, helping bring energy and camaraderie to Team Alberta. Whether you’re looking to improve your public speaking skills, boost your confidence, or be inspired by Lubna’s story, this episode is for you. Tune in now and discover how to elevate your public speaking game.