Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) apprentices continue to highlight their value within Alberta's workforce as they earn provincial recognition for their exceptional skill during competition.
RDP apprentices earned seven medals three gold, three silver and one bronze at the recent 2026 Skills Canada Alberta Competition held at the Edmonton EXPO Centre, reinforcing the Polytechnic's reputation for excellence in skilled trades training.
"The outstanding results at this year's Skills Canada Alberta Competition highlight the value of our industry partnerships, as well as the quality of instruction and hands-on training our apprentices receive at RDP," says David Pye, Dean of the School of Trades and Technology at Red Deer Polytechnic. "Their achievements demonstrate that Red Deer Polytechnic is preparing graduates who will drive innovation, productivity and long-term economic strength for Alberta."
The competition saw strong performances across multiple disciplines. Ty McCartney (Carpentry), Nathan Brehaut (Sprinkler Systems Installer) and Dane Schmidt (Welding) won post-secondary gold medals, qualifying for the 2026 Skills Canada National Competition held May 28-29 in Toronto.
O'Ryan Edmondson (IT Network Systems Administration), Adam Moore (Sprinkler Systems Installer) and Cowyn Godlonton (Steamfitter/Pipefitter) earned silver medals. Timothy Hills (Sprinkler Systems Installer) captured bronze. In addition, Dario Reale ranked sixth and Cole Empson placed 10th in Carpentry. Ren Eggers (Culinary Arts) was seventh provincially.
Building on a long tradition of high performance, RDP apprentices have captured 101 medals across Provincial and National Skills Canada competitions, along with WorldSkills events, since 2003.
Red Deer Polytechnic's comprehensive skilled trades programs, enriched through meaningful collaboration with industry partners, are essential to developing Alberta's workforce. By equipping apprentices with the practical, high-demand competencies required across the province, RDP helps address critical labour shortages.
This commitment to excellence extends beyond provincial and national competition. Lucas Stang (Welding), who won both provincial and national gold in 2025, has been preparing with Lee Yasinski, RDP Welding instructor and Skills Coach, for the 48th WorldSkills Competition that will be held in Shanghai, China from September 22-27, 2026.
RDP's leadership in skilled trades education is further strengthened through the Central Alberta Trades Strategy, a collaboration with Borouge International (formerly NOVA Chemicals) and other postsecondary and industry partners. By modernizing skilled trades training with improved access, greater flexibility, stronger coordination and long-term sustainability, the Strategy will help ensure the region has the skilled workforce needed to support industry growth and enhance economic resilience.
