Focus. Knowledge. Preparation. These are the components Saskatchewan Polytechnic 2025 Graphic Communications alumna Jorda Thomas is relying on as she gets ready to take on 29 competitors at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 this fall.
"WorldSkills is an opportunity to challenge my skills on an international stage and learn from designers around the world," she says.
Thomas was first drawn to Graphic Communications in high school when she met a freelance graphic designer.
"One of my favourite things about graphic design is variety. Every project is different, whether it's branding, packaging, editorial design or signage, and it's rewarding to see that work become something people interact with every day," she says.
Sask Polytech instructor and WorldSkills expert Cody Peterson is no stranger to the Skills competition process. Having competed at the national level himself and coached students through provincial, national and international competitions, he brings extensive experience to the role. Peterson is a mentor to Thomas, as is fellow alumna and now Sask Polytech instructor Kyla Henry, who represented Team Canada at WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017.
"Skills competitions were part of my professional and personal development. There's a lot of legacy from our program," says Peterson. "Course assessments are set up like competitions, which makes our students very comfortable if they choose to compete. All students benefit from the structure."
Thomas is the fifth competitor from Sask Polytech in the Graphic Design Technology category to make it to WorldSkills. The international competition is held every two years to celebrate some of the most talented up-and-coming professionals in careers ranging from trades to computer programming.
As an expert, Peterson has worked on developing opportunities for candidates from all over the world. Sask Polytech hosted a friendly competition at the Regina campus last spring, welcoming participants from four countries to practice. Over the course of the event, the competitors created different graphic design projects, from packaging for a saw to designing an annual report.
"The friendly competition gave me the opportunity to receive feedback from judges representing different countries. Seeing how each of them approached design and what they valued gave me a much broader perspective," says Thomas.
All competitors in the friendly meet at Regina campus received a copy of the notes from the judging panel to help them work on improving their performance in the WorldSkills competition.
"It's a beneficial process. As participants go through these complex projects, they get the experience of living through the stress and intensity of the competition," says Peterson. "For us as experts, it also gives us a chance to practice our marking."
The Canadian delegation then travelled to Shenzhen, China in June for a second practice session. Thomas took on the same projects and got to get an additional point of view on visual style.
Says Peterson, "It's a practical training tool to have competitors redo projects that they've already done. It's sometimes challenging to come up with new ideas that go beyond your initial idea."
Thomas is using feedback from both experiences to inform her preparation. She has been reviewing design aspects, packaging, branding, typography and colour palettes daily. Her goal is to feel well prepared so she can make quick decisions on the spot.
"Working in the design industry while preparing for Worlds has strengthened my efficiency and adaptability, providing me with experience across a diverse range of projects that continue to shape my approach to competition," she says.
Peterson is happy to support students and alumni as they establish their careers.
"Graphic design is an interesting way to connect with people. As an instructor, I get to support students, as they get to be confident and comfortable and find something that they love," he says.
With years of experience under his belt, Peterson has words of advice for Thomas and all competitors.
"Try to soak up the moment. Don't rush. Trust your training. Know that you belong there. No matter what, you're a WorldSkills champion."
Thomas is grateful for encouragement from staff and instructors.
"Sask Polytech has been an important part of my journey, opening the door to opportunities like WorldSkills," she says.
The 48th WorldSkills Competition will be held in Shanghai from September 22 to 27, 2026.
The Graphic Communications program combines design thinking, comprehensive graphic design training and real-world experience to prepare graduates for careers in project management, branding, graphic design, packaging design, digital illustration, image editing, signage, digital press operation and screen-printing.
For more information
400 - 119 4th Avenue South
Saskatoon Saskatchewan
Canada S7K 5X2
www.saskpolytech.ca
