Skillz & Thrillz: Alberta's Trade & Tech Youth

Skills Canada Alberta
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Through in-depth conversations, we aim to provide valuable advice and insightful perspectives on the impact of the Skills Canada competitions on the careers and lives of our guests. Join us as we explore the journeys of Alumni and many others and uncover the lasting effects of their participation in the Skills Canada Competitions.The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Skills Canada Alberta or its affiliates. Our goal is to provide a platform for the diverse and unique perspectives and experiences of our Alumni and others in the Skills community. Overall, we are celebrating their experiences and journeys in the trades, technologies, and our competitions. The “Skills Canada Alberta” name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.

  1. Oct 2

    Stitched For Success: Kayla Klita's Fashion Technology Journey to Gold

    In this episode, we sit down with Fashion Technology alumna, Kayla Klita, to talk about her incredible journey through Skills, discovering her passion for Fashion Technology, and what comes next. Kayla first competed at Skills in 2024, earning 6th place in Fashion Technology. She returned in 2025 with determination and took home gold at the Provincial Skills Canada Competition, earning her a spot on Team Alberta at the Skills Canada National Competition in Regina, where she brought home bronze on the national stage. In 2026, Kayla returned for her third Skills competition and had an incredible year, winning gold at both the Provincial Skills Canada Competition and the Skills Canada National Competition in Toronto. Her achievements went even further when she earned the highest overall Z score for the Best of Region ranking, making her the second ever recipient of the Terry Cooke Legacy of Skilled Excellence Scholarship. As the top scoring secondary student from Alberta, Kayla was awarded $5,000 per year for up to four years to support her post-secondary education. In this episode, Kayla shares how she found her passion for Fashion Technology, the experiences and challenges that shaped her journey, and what it has meant to compete at the provincial, national, and now scholarship level. She also gives us a look ahead at her return to the Skills competitions in 2027! Tune in to hear Kayla’s incredible story of passion, perseverance, and skilled excellence.

    Stitched For Success: Kayla Klita's Fashion Technology Journey to Gold

  2. Sep 4

    Wired to Win: Emanuel's Industrial Control Journey

    In this episode, we sit down with SAIT alumnus and Industrial Control Skills competitor Emanuel Quintero-Rodriguez to hear the story behind an incredible Skills journey. Emanuel competed in Industrial Control at the Provincial Skills Canada Competition in 2024, 2025, and 2026. In 2025, he earned gold at provincials, securing his place on Team Alberta and a spot at the Skills Canada National Competition in Regina, where he brought home bronze. Determined to keep pushing toward his goal, Emanuel returned to the 2026 Provincial Skills Canada Competition and once again claimed gold, earning his second opportunity to represent Team Alberta. This time, the Skills Canada National Competition took him to Toronto, Ontario, where Emanuel reached the top of the podium and became a national gold medalist! In this episode, Emanuel talks about the determination, discipline, and drive it took to reach his goals, what he learned throughout his three years of competition, and how his experiences shaped his journey. He also shares what it was like training alongside fellow alumnus Zack Hartle, the challenges he faced along the way, and the lessons that helped him go from provincial competitor to national champion.

    Wired to Win: Emanuel's Industrial Control Journey

  3. Aug 14

    From Competitor to Mentor: Inspiring the Next Generation with Nobel Chan

    In this episode, we sit down with alumnus Nobel Chan from SAIT to talk about his incredible Skills journey and how the competition has shaped his career. Nobel first competed in Cabinet Making at the Provincial Skills Canada Competition in 2023, where he earned a silver medal. He returned in 2024, winning gold and securing his place on Team Alberta for the Skills Canada National Competition in Quebec City. There, he represented Alberta with pride and brought home the national silver medal. Since competing, Nobel has remained deeply involved with Skills Canada Alberta. In 2025, he joined the Provincial Technical Committee (PTC) as a judge, giving back to the competition that helped launch his career. Most recently, he volunteered as the Team Alberta 2026 Alumni Ambassador, travelling to Toronto to support competitors, share his experiences, and offer advice to help them succeed. Tune in as Nobel reflects on his competition experiences, the lessons he learned along the way, and why he plans to stay connected to Skills while pursuing his goal of becoming a woodshop teacher and inspiring the next generation of skilled trades professionals.

    From Competitor to Mentor: Inspiring the Next Generation with Nobel Chan

  4. Jul 31

    One Shot, Two Golds: From First-Time Competitor to National Millwrights Champion

    In this episode, join us as we sit down with Industrial Mechanics/Millwright alumnus Jack Butts from SAIT to hear about his incredible Skills journey. Competing at Skills for the very first time this year, Jack made an unforgettable impact by advancing all the way to the Skills Canada National Competition in Toronto, where he earned the Gold Medal. Jack shares what inspired him to compete, what it was like to experience Skills at both the provincial and national levels, and how the competition helped him grow both personally and professionally. He also talks about his passion for sharing his knowledge with others and why giving back to the skilled trades community is so important to him. Jack's journey is far from over. He will be returning next year to compete again and will continue to challenge himself within the Skills community. Jack also speaks on how he hopes to have the opportunity to compete on the world stage at WorldSkills Japan 2028, since next year's nationals is a qualifying year for worlds.  Tune in to hear Jack's inspiring story and discover what it takes to compete at the highest level.

    One Shot, Two Golds: From First-Time Competitor to National Millwrights Champion

  5. Jun 29

    Shear Determination: Kyla Smith's Climb to the Podium

    In this episode, we sit down with Skills Canada Alberta alumna Kyla Smith, a student from Lord Beaverbrook High School, to discuss her journey through the Hairstyling competition. After competing at the Intermediate level in 2025, Kyla set her sights on returning to the competition in Senior Hairstyling—and she did just that, earning gold at the 2026 Provincial Skills Canada Competition and bronze at the 2026 Skills Canada National Competition in Toronto.  Kyla shares how the competitions helped her develop her technical skills, confidence, and determination, as well as the lessons she learned along the way. From setting ambitious goals to overcoming challenges and performing under pressure, her story highlights the value of perseverance and the opportunities that Skills competitions can provide. Whether you're interested in hairstyling, considering competing in a Skills competition, or looking for inspiration to pursue your own goals, Kyla's experience offers valuable insights and encouragement. Tune in to hear how shear determination helped Kyla turn her goals into podium success and be sure to check out her hairstyling Instagram @kylabea_hairstylist!

    Shear Determination: Kyla Smith's Climb to the Podium

  6. Jun 15

    Glow For Gold: Jenna Holman's Aesthetics Journey from Competitor to Judge

    In this episode, we sit down with Aesthetics alumna, Jenna Holman. Jenna competed in 2019, where she earned gold at the provincial level, securing her place on Team Alberta. That same year, she went on to represent the province at the Skills Canada National Competition in Halifax, where she brought home a bronze medal. Today, Jenna is a medical aesthetician and laser technician working at The Vanity Lab in Edmonton, where she serves as Senior Technician. She has continued her involvement in the Skills community as both a judge for the Aesthetics competition and a member of the Provincial Technical Committee (PTC), where she holds the role of Safety Officer. Throughout this episode, we explore Jenna’s journey from competitor to industry professional and the reasons she has chosen to remain involved in the Skills community long after competing. We also dive into her volunteer work during Skills Exhibition Days, where trades and tech experts came together to showcase their skills online. Jenna demonstrated how to perform a simple at-home facial, breaking down the basics of skincare and highlighting the importance of properly caring for your skin—your body’s largest organ. Jenna shares plenty of insightful tips and advice throughout the episode, making this one you won’t want to miss. And as Jenna reminds us: “Never forget your sunscreen!!”

    Glow For Gold: Jenna Holman's Aesthetics Journey from Competitor to Judge

  7. May 25

    Chef's Table to Judge's Table: Alyssa Paron's Full-Circle Culinary Arts & Skills Journey

    In this episode, we sit down with Culinary Arts alumna Alyssa Paron, who takes us through her inspiring journey in the culinary world, from competing in the 2015 Skills Canada Alberta Competition, where she earned silver, to advancing to the national stage in Saskatoon later that same year. Alyssa shares what it was like stepping into the high-pressure environment of culinary competition and how those experiences shaped her career path. Growing up in Alberta, she was also inspired by her family connection to the culinary industry; her grandfather was a well-known chef in the Edmonton area with experience working in restaurants across Jasper and Banff. Her Skills journey did not end at competition. Alyssa reflects on how she stayed connected to the community by joining the Provincial Technical Committee (PTC) and becoming a judge, helping guide and support the next generation of competitors. She also talks about her time studying at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), where she was mentored by instructor Ian Campbell, a key role model in her development as a chef and educator. Today, Alyssa works as an Educational Laboratory Technician at NAIT, where she supports culinary students and instructors in the kitchen every day. She shares her passion for teaching, mentorship, and her long-term goal of becoming an instructor herself. From competitor to mentor, Alyssa’s story is all about giving back, staying connected, and finding fulfillment in helping others build their skills and confidence in the culinary arts.

    Chef's Table to Judge's Table: Alyssa Paron's Full-Circle Culinary Arts & Skills Journey

  8. May 1

    Provincial Success Pro Tips: Insights from Skills Alumni

    In this episode, we’re bringing you a special collection of advice from some of our incredible Skills alumni, just in time for the 2026 Provincial Skills Canada Competition. With the big event right around the corner, this episode is designed to help you feel confident, prepared, and ready to take on the competition. Throughout the episode, you’ll hear valuable insights, encouragement, and tips from past competitors who have been in your shoes and know what it takes to succeed. From managing nerves to making the most of your experience, their advice is here to remind you that you belong on that competition floor. You’ve already proven you have the skills and talent—that’s what got you here. Now it’s your time to showcase everything you’re capable of. We’re cheering you on and can’t wait to see you in action. Good luck, competitors!

    Provincial Success Pro Tips: Insights from Skills Alumni
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About

Through in-depth conversations, we aim to provide valuable advice and insightful perspectives on the impact of the Skills Canada competitions on the careers and lives of our guests. Join us as we explore the journeys of Alumni and many others and uncover the lasting effects of their participation in the Skills Canada Competitions.The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Skills Canada Alberta or its affiliates. Our goal is to provide a platform for the diverse and unique perspectives and experiences of our Alumni and others in the Skills community. Overall, we are celebrating their experiences and journeys in the trades, technologies, and our competitions. The “Skills Canada Alberta” name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.

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