�԰ɵ��

�԰ɵ�� Celebrates Apprentices’ Achievements at Building on Excellence Event

Oct 10, 2024

Matthew Fenton stands smiling with his hands in his pockets next to a banner. On the right, Ben Rainforth stands smiling with his hands crossed beside another banner

(l to r) Matthew Fenton and Ben Rainforth at the Building on Excellence Event

At its fifth annual Building on Excellence event, �԰ɵ�� celebrated a talented group of apprentices who showcased exceptional knowledge and skills in various Skills competitions over the past year.

In 2024, �԰ɵ�� apprentices earned one gold, one silver and two bronze medals at the competition. After winning �԰ɵ��’s fifth straight gold medal at last year’s National competition, Ben Rainforth (Welding) was given the opportunity to compete at the 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France this year. With the help of Lee Yasinski, Welding Instructor and Skills Coach, Rainforth came home with a bronze medal which is a first for an �԰ɵ�� apprentice.

“We were proud to gather as a Polytechnic community with industry partners, alumni and supporters to celebrate the remarkable achievements of �԰ɵ�� apprentices at Skills competitions,” says David Pye, Dean, School of Trades and Technology.” The continued success of our apprentices highlights the expertise and commitment of �԰ɵ��’s instructors, as well as industry-relevant learning opportunities offered at our institution, which are further strengthened by the support of employers.”

�԰ɵ�� apprentices consistently rank among the top post-secondary achievers in Alberta and across Canada. Since 2003, the Polytechnic’s apprentices have impressively earned a total of 84 medals at Skills Canada Alberta and Skills Canada National competitions.

“Through �԰ɵ��’s partnerships with employers and industry from across the region, along with Skills Alberta and Skills Canada, apprentices receive world class education, training and opportunities in their skilled trade,” says Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience. “As a polytechnic, we are even better equipped to meet the needs of learners, communities and industry while contributing to the economic and social priorities of Alberta.”

The next Post-Secondary Skills Canada Alberta competition will be held at the Edmonton EXPO Centre on May 7 and 8, 2025.

Here is a summary of the achievements of �԰ɵ�� apprentices at Skills competitions in 2024:

Skills Canada Alberta

Gold medal – Jesse Bennett, Sprinkler Systems Installations
Silver medal – Ethan Swain, Sprinkler Systems Installations
Bronze medal – Jared Quast, Sprinkler Systems Installations
Bronze medal – Matthew Fenton, Welding

Related News

Ben Rainforth with Coach and �԰ɵ�� faculty, Lee Yasinski holding bronze medal and Canadian flag at WorldSkills competition

�԰ɵ�� Welding Journeyperson Ranks Among Best in the World

Ben Rainforth, a �԰ɵ�� (�԰ɵ��) welding journeyperson, can add WorldSkills bronze medalist to his resume. Lacombe’s Rainforth demonstrated his world class welding knowledge and skills, ranking third among his peers at the 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France. Only Sanghyeok Lee (gold) from Korea and Zehong Hu (silver) from China placed ahead of Rainforth in welding at the prestigious event which took place from September 10 to 15. “I want to congratulate Ben and Lee. To place third in the world is an incredible accomplishment and a testament to Ben's dedication,” says David Pye, Dean, School of Trades and Technology at �԰ɵ��. “Along with numerous hours Ben trained for WorldSkills, his path to success was supported by his trainer Lee Yasinski, �԰ɵ�� faculty and staff, industry partners and members of our communities.” Rainforth trained diligently for WorldSkills. Along with working as a journeyperson, Rainforth dedicated approximately 40 hours per week to prepare for the global competition. “We are extremely proud of Ben earning a bronze medal at WorldSkills,” says Stuart Cullum, President, �԰ɵ��. “This not only reflects the dedication and hard work from Ben and his Skills Coach Lee, but also the world class skilled trades

Ben Rainforth and Jared Quast

�԰ɵ�� Apprentice earns gold at Skills Canada National Competition

�԰ɵ�� (�԰ɵ��) Welding Apprentice Ben Rainforth showcased exceptional talent in his trade, earning a gold medal at the Skills Canada National Competition May 25-26. Rainforth’s accomplishment was the fifth consecutive gold medal by �԰ɵ�� Welding Apprentices at the national level. Rainforth was among more than 500 Canadian students and apprentices who competed in 45 Skill Areas at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg. “I want to congratulate Ben and his �԰ɵ�� Welding Instructor and Skills Coach Lee Yasinski on the outstanding performance at the Skills Canada National Competition,” says Joel Gingrich, Dean of School of Education and Trades. “Along with earning gold, Ben also won a Best of Region Award for achieving the best-weighted score from Alberta.” In addition, �԰ɵ�� Apprentice Jared Quast had a high-calibre performance in Sprinkler Systems Installations, placing fifth at the Skills Canada National Competition. “Jared was a great representative of �԰ɵ�� and Team Alberta in Winnipeg,” says Gingrich. “I am proud of Jared’s hard work, and to be recognized among the top five apprentices in his field across Canada is quite the honour.” �԰ɵ�� continues to excel at both the Skills Canada Alberta and Skills Canada National Competitions, solidifying

�԰ɵ�� Apprentices win five medals at Skills Canada Alberta

�԰ɵ�� (�԰ɵ��) Apprentices continue to demonstrate their industry-leading knowledge and skills on the provincial stage. �԰ɵ�� Apprentices earned five medals, including two gold, two silver and one bronze, at the Skills Canada Alberta Competition, which was held at the Edmonton Expo Centre May 3-4. Jared Quast (Sprinkler Systems Installer) and Ben Rainforth (Welding) were the top achievers from the Polytechnic, both winning gold medals. Quast and Rainforth will represent �԰ɵ�� and Team Alberta at the Skills Canada National Competition, which will take place in Winnipeg May 25-26. Jared Gamble (Plumbing) and Joseph Saunderson (Sprinkler Systems Installer) won silver in their respective trades. Ryley Bakken (Steamfitter/Pipefitter) earned bronze. “These recent achievements reinforce the high-quality experiences available to apprentices at �԰ɵ�� and throughout the region,” says Joel Gingrich, Dean of School of Education and Trades. “Along with receiving enhanced education, training and support from �԰ɵ�� instructors, Skills Coaches and technicians, our apprentices receive industry-relevant opportunities from our region’s employers. This support and collaboration prepare our apprentices to excel in their fields.” �԰ɵ�� Apprentices have built a legacy of excellence on the provincial and national stages. Since 2003, �԰ɵ�� Apprentices have earned 78 medals at