Chase starts by sharing how he first discovered special effects makeup and what initially drew him to the craft. He then reflects on the impact of his mentor from Lord Beaverbrook High School, a fashion teacher named Stephanie, who played a key role in encouraging and supporting his creative journey. From there, Chase dives into his Skills competition experience, explaining how competing helped him refine his techniques, build confidence, and truly hone his craft.

The conversation takes an exciting turn as Chase shares some incredible behind-the-scenes experiences from the film industry, including working with Glenn Griffin on the set of The Smashing Machine, where he assisted with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s prosthetics. He also talks about other notable projects he’s worked on, such as House of David and Die My Love, offering insight into what it’s really like to work in special effects makeup on professional film sets.

Chase wraps up the episode with thoughtful advice on breaking into the industry, emphasizing that everyone’s path looks different, as well as sharing tips for students considering competing at Skills. It’s an inspiring and fascinating conversation filled with creativity, mentorship, and unforgettable experiences.

Be sure to check out Chase’s work on Instagram @chase_sfx and tune in to hear all about his journey into special effects makeup and beyond. 

In this episode, we sit down with Team Canada competitor Jacob McClelland, who will be representing Canada in CNC Milling at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

Jacob’s interest in machining grew as he learned more about the precision, creativity, and problem-solving behind CNC Milling. He’s especially inspired by the idea that the small, detailed parts he creates can become essential components in major projects—including the kinds of parts used in spacecraft and advanced technology. That drive to build something bigger than himself has shaped his journey in the trade.

After two years of competing in Skills competitions, Jacob’s dedication and technical skill have propelled him all the way to Team Canada. Supported by his WorldSkills Canada Expert, Jurgen Hierholzer, and his Trainer, Tim Wong—a Skills Canada Alberta alumnus—Jacob continues to refine his craft as he prepares for the global stage.

This is only the beginning of Jacob’s story—we’ll be catching up with him again after the competition to hear all about his experience in the fall of 2026. Stay tuned as we continue to share the inspiring journeys of Alberta’s 12 Team Canada competitors.

Annika shares what the Workplace Safety competition is all about, what competitors can expect, and how to best prepare and train for success. She also reflects on her personal journey, the impact Skills has had on her confidence and career path, and what she’s doing now.

Tune in to hear Annika’s story and gain valuable insight into the world of Workplace Safety and the Skills experience.

Kylar reflects on his experience in Skills competitions, what it takes to earn a spot on Team Canada, and how his training is progressing for WorldSkills Shanghai. He also explores opportunities to train outside of Canada and the importance of broadening his skills to compete at the highest level.

Bella first competed in 2023, earning gold at the Provincial Skills Canada Competition and securing her spot on Team Alberta for the national competition in Winnipeg, where she went on to win bronze. She returned in 2024 and did it again, taking home gold provincially and representing Team Alberta at the Skills Canada National Competition in Quebec City.

But Bella’s story does not stop at competing. She came back in 2025 as an Alumni Ambassador at Provincials and now gives back to the program as a member of the Provincial Technical Committee for Graphic Design, helping shape the competition for future competitors. Currently on her journey to become a teacher, Bella hopes to one day bring her own students on a field trip to experience the Skills competitions firsthand.

Alongside her education goals, Bella continues to pursue her creative passion through her small business, Wild and Free Custom Apparel, which you can find on Instagram and Facebook. She also designed incredible pieces for Team Alberta during her 2024 competition. Be sure to check out those designs on our socials along with the episode post. 

Tune in to hear Bella talk about competition, creativity, giving back, and how Skills helped shape both her career and her future in education.

In this episode, we sit down with Team Canada competitor Anika Jones, who will be representing Canada in Car Painting at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

Anika’s path started at NAIT, where her passion for creativity and her love of cars came together in the world of automotive refinishing. Drawn to the blend of artistry, precision, and technical skill, Anika found her place in Car Painting—an environment where her creative instincts could shine.

Anika competed twice at the Skills Canada Alberta Provincial Competition, earning first place on her second attempt, which propelled her to Nationals. Her continued growth, discipline, and commitment to mastering her craft ultimately earned her a coveted spot on Team Canada.

Joined by her WorldSkills Canada Expert and Trainer, Car Painting alumna Cecile Bukmeier, Anika is now deepening her technique, elevating her finish quality, and preparing for the incredible challenge ahead as she trains for the world stage.

This is only the beginning of Anika’s story—we’ll be catching up with her again after the competition to hear all about her experience in the fall of 2026. Stay tuned as we continue to share the inspiring paths of Alberta’s 12 Team Canada competitors.

In this episode, we sit down with Team Canada competitor Tyler Gunther, who will be representing Canada in Industrial Mechanics/Millwright at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

Tyler’s journey began at SAIT, where he dove into his passion for the mechanical world. Incredibly, this was Tyler’s first year competing in the Skills competitions—and his talent, discipline, and determination propelled him all the way to Team Canada on his very first attempt. A true testament to his skill and focus.

Joined by his WorldSkills Canada Expert, Mohamed Flyes, and Trainer, Jason Parnell, Tyler continues to push his technical abilities, refine his precision, and strengthen his readiness as he prepares to take on the global stage.

This is only the beginning of Tyler’s story—we’ll be catching up with him again after the competition to hear all about his experience in the fall of 2026. Stay tuned as we continue to share the inspiring journeys of Alberta’s 12 Team Canada competitors.

In this episode, we sit down with Logan Peters, who will be representing Canada in Carpentry at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

Logan’s carpentry journey began back in Grade 11, when he first discovered the thrill of competition. He continued to sharpen his skills through post-secondary training, eventually competing at the post-secondary level as well. But his biggest surprise came after the Skills Canada National Competition—Logan didn’t even know he had earned a spot on Team Canada until Dave King, Dean of Trades at Lakeland College, delivered the exciting news.

Logan’s story carries even more significance as Carpentry for Canada makes its long-awaited return to WorldSkills. With the guidance of his Trainer, David Jones, and WorldSkills Canada Expert, Paul Bettio, Logan is helping re-establish Canada’s presence on the global carpentry stage.

From finding his competitive streak in high school to stepping onto the world stage, Logan shares how he’s preparing, what motivates him, and what it means to represent Canada in a trade he loves.

This is only the beginning of Logan’s international journey — we’ll catch up with him again after the competition to hear all about his experience. Stay tuned as we continue to highlight the inspiring stories of Alberta’s Team Canada competitors.

In this episode, we sit down with Keegan Sturge, who will be representing Canada in Electrical Installations at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

Hailing from Fort McMurray, Keegan is making history as the first-ever competitor from Fort McMurray to take the world stage at WorldSkills. His Skills journey began back in high school, where he first got involved in Skills competitions. He continued competing through his time at Keyano College, steadily developing his technical abilities, precision, and competitive edge.

Since 2022, Keegan has consistently competed at Skills Canada Alberta competitions, each level pushing him further and preparing him for this next milestone.

Supported by his Trainer Dawn Ohama and WorldSkills Canada Expert Jason Taylor, Keegan is now training to represent Canada among the world’s best in Shanghai.

This is just the beginning of Keegan’s story — we’ll catch up with him again after the competition to hear all about his experience. Stay tuned as we continue spotlighting the inspiring journeys of Alberta’s Team Canada competitors.

 In this episode, we sit down with Tate McGarry, who will be representing Canada in Cabinet Making at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

Tate’s love for woodworking started long before his time at SAIT, where he later honed his skills and discovered his competitive drive. After first competing in Carpentry, he found his niche in Cabinet Making, a trade that perfectly combines his creativity and precision.

His commitment to excellence has taken him from the Skills Canada National Competition to earning a coveted spot on Team Canada. Joined by his WorldSkills Canada Expert and Trainer, Harold Bergmann, Tate shares insights into his craft, his preparation, and his upcoming training trip to Germany in November 2025 as he gears up for the international stage.

This is just the beginning of Tate’s story — we’ll catch up with him again after the competition to hear all about his experience. Stay tuned as we continue to highlight the inspiring journeys of Alberta’s Team Canada competitors.

In this episode, we sit down with Team Canada competitor Carter Kokot, who will be representing Canada in Automobile Technology at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

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.

Joined by his WorldSkills Canada Expert, Nathan Banke, and Trainer Harley Breadner, Carter continues to fine-tune his craft as he gears up to take on the world stage.

This is just the beginning of Carter’s story—we’ll be catching up with him again after the competition to hear all about his experience in the fall of 2026. Stay tuned as we continue to share the inspiring journeys of Alberta’s 12 Team Canada competitors.

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.

Joined by his WorldSkills Canada Expert, Ken Heather, and Trainer Lee Yasinski, Lucas continues to push his craft to new heights as he prepares to take on the world stage.

This is just the beginning of Lucas’s story—we’ll be catching up with him again after the competition to hear all about his experience in the fall of 2026. Stay tuned as we continue to share the inspiring journeys of Alberta’s 12 Team Canada competitors.

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.

This is just the beginning of Benjamin’s story—we’ll be catching up with him again after the competition to hear all about his experience in the fall of 2026. Stay tuned as we continue to share the inspiring journeys of Alberta’s 12 Team Canada competitors.

This is just the beginning of Luke’s story—we’ll be catching up with him again after the competition to hear all about his experience. Stay tuned as we continue to share the incredible and inspiring journeys of all 12 of Alberta’s Team Canada competitors.

In this episode, they share what it’s like to navigate the trades as sisters, the challenges and rewards of competing, and how their shared journey has shaped their careers. Tune in to hear their story, and check out their full interview with NAIT at the link below!

Sisters share success as skilled trades classmates - techlifetoday

Kade and Marek share what it was like to prepare for competition, the challenges of designing and building a successful robot, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. From long hours of testing to the thrill of competing against the best in Canada, their journey is full of innovation, teamwork, and determination.

Tune in to hear how these two young innovators engineered their way to success!

Diego shares his inspiring Skills journey, what it was like to train and compete at such a high level, and the incredible support he received from teachers, mentors, and fellow competitors in the Electronics community. He also offers thoughtful advice for future competitors and reflects on his unforgettable time in Regina.

Tune in to hear Diego’s story of teamwork, dedication, and what it takes to succeed in Skills competitions!

She opens up about the training and mentorship that shaped her success, the importance of having women role models in the trades, and how confidence plays a key role in both competition and career. Mikayla also offers practical advice for anyone looking to explore bricklaying or step into the competition world.

Plus, she gives us a look ahead at her next big challenge: representing Canada at a union bricklaying competition this fall in Detroit!

She reflects on the invaluable mentorship she received from Lance Burns and how his guidance helped shape her path. Instead of taking the corporate route, Rachel chose to follow her creative passion and built her own photography business. From the competition floor to capturing life behind the lens, Rachel’s story is a testament to perseverance, mentorship, and the power of believing in your craft.

Tune in to hear how Rachel turned her Skills experience into a thriving career and how you can do the same.

Want to check out her incredible portfolio? Here's the link to her website: Edmonton Wedding Photographer | Rachel Turner

Want to learn more about her Skills experience? Here's the link to her blogpost: Skills Canada Competition - Rachel Turner Photography

Podcast: https://www.wattsthewordpodcast.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZackHartle

From competing at the 2018 Provincial Skills Canada Competition to cheering each other on at Nationals, Laine and Taylor walk us through their individual journeys, the highs and lows of competition, and how they built a lasting bond rooted in shared experiences, great conversations, and a mutual love for trades and skilled work.

Tune in to hear how two different trades brought together two incredible people—and how the Skills community continues to create unexpected and meaningful connections.

Brittany shares her path from crafting and presenting realistic cuts on the Job Skill Demonstration stage to pursuing a career in Aesthetics, and why she continues to give back as a member of the Provincial Technical Committee for Aesthetics. It's truly an inspiring story of growth, refining one's craft, and giving back. If you want to learn about her journey and experience in Job Skill Demo and Aesthetics, tune in now!

Tim’s dedication to Skills didn’t stop there. In 2023, he was named Alumni of the Year for his contributions to the Skills community and through his role on the Provincial Technical Committee (PTC) for Precision and CNC Machining, where he helps shape the competition at Provincials each year. He’s also an instructor at SAIT, where he not only trains apprentices but also finds inspiration in learning from his students.

Join us as Tim reflects on how one-on-one training at SAIT prepared him for competition, how Skills shaped his path, and why mentoring future machinists has been so rewarding. Listen now, and don’t forget to check out his Alumni of the Year video on our website or YouTube to learn more about his incredible journey! 

Join us as Amy shares her journey from Skills competitions to the world of film and fashion, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and her advice for aspiring designers and creatives.

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.

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.

Discover how Ben transitioned from carpentry to welding, the rigorous training process, and the unforgettable experience of competing on the world stage. His dedication, perseverance, and passion for his craft shine through as he recounts the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights the power of skill, determination, and community. Get ready to be motivated by Ben's remarkable story!