SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC
Sask Polytech students earn seven medals at Skills Canada Nationals

Saskatchewan Polytechnic students delivered a strong showing on the national stage, earning seven medals including four gold at the 2026 Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC).

Held May 28 and 29 in Toronto, the annual competition brought together more than 500 students and apprentices from across the country to compete in more than 40 skilled trade and technology areas. Sask Polytech competitors stood out across multiple disciplines, from electronics and cloud computing to trades and design.

Two gold medallists say their Sask Polytech training helped prepare them for nationals.

Ranieri dos Santos Vilela tested his skills just weeks before graduating with great distinction from the Computer Automated Systems Technician program. Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Vilela moved to Regina to attend Sask Polytech and earned gold in electronics.

"I like testing my skills and pushing myself to do better," he says.

The competition reflected his training, with four demanding tasks including printed circuit board design, troubleshooting, precision soldering and embedded systems programming.

Dos Santos Vilela says his capstone project gave him an edge. He designed a custom printed circuit board for a portable environmental sensor used to monitor air quality, temperature and noise levels.

"That helped me a lot," he says.

At his first national competition, Minh Khoa Le earned gold in cloud computing.

Originally from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Le moved to Regina in 2025 to attend Sask Polytech. Just one year into the Business Information Systems diploma program, he earned gold in cloud computing.

"It was my first time standing before such a large crowd and stage!" he says. "I was really happy that my efforts paid off and proud to bring back a gold medal for Sask Polytech and the province."

His event focused on configuring and troubleshooting cloud-based solutions using Amazon Web Services, often working with incomplete systems and identifying issues.

"The whole process pushed me to learn more quickly and more intentionally than ever before," he says.

Le was first introduced to cloud computing through his Sask Polytech coursework and credits that foundation along with support from instructor Hannah Kopytko for helping him succeed.

"With this experience, I'm more confident to compete again," he says. "It's helped shape my focus toward cloud technologies for the future."

"Congratulations to our seven medal winners and everyone who represented Sask Polytech on the national stage," says Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. "The Skills Canada National Competition showcases incredible careers in skilled trades and technology, giving Sask Polytech students the chance to apply what they've learned in real-world conditions."

"Saskatchewan is fortunate to have so many skilled and talented competitors who showcased their passion and dedication to the trades," Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) CEO Jeff Ritter said. "Congratulations on your accomplishments at the national competition!"

Congratulations to all who represented Sask Polytech on the national stage!

"We are incredibly proud of these outstanding competitors who have represented Saskatchewan with excellence on the national stage," says Krystal Nieckar, executive director of Skills Canada Saskatchewan. "Their success is a testament to the strength of skilled trades and technology education in our province, and to the impact of hands-on learning, mentorship and determination in shaping the next generation of our workforce. To young people across our province this is your moment. Explore the trades, discover your strengths and take that first step. The future is yours to build."

Students qualified for nationals through the Skills Canada Saskatchewan Provincial Competition earlier this year where they demonstrated the technical ability and problem-solving skills required to advance.

With seven medals across trades, technologies and applied fields, Sask Polytech students and apprentices showcase how classroom learning, hands-on experience and determination into success on the national stage.