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 Team Canada competitor Carter Kokot, who will be representing Canada in Automobile Technology at WorldSkills Shanghai2026.
Carter’s journey began at SAIT, where his dad, who was also an instructor, encouraged him to compete in the Skills competitions while he was pursuing his studies. Growing up with a lifelong passion for cars, Carter’s dedication and determination have driven him from competing at Skills Canada Nationals in Quebec City and Regina to earning his spot on Team Canada.
In this episode, we sit down with Team Canada competitor Lucas Stang, who will be representing Canada in Welding at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. Lucas’s journey began at Red Deer Polytechnic,where his trainer, Lee Yasinski, encouraged him to compete in the Skills competitions while he was completing his welding program. From that first competition to earning his spot on Team Canada, Lucas’s path has been forged through dedication, precision, and a deep appreciation for the artistry of welding.
In this episode, we sit down with Team Canada competitor Benjamin Jamison, who will be representing Canada in Aerospace Technology. Benjamin shares his passion for aircraft and his journey through the Skills competitions, including competing at the national level twice before earning his spot on Team Canada. We talk about his training, what drives his interest in aerospace, and his excitement for taking his skills to the world stage in Shanghai, China in 2026.