RDP recognizes accomplishments of apprentices at Building on Excellence event
Photo (l-r): Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience; David Pye, Dean, School of Trades and Technology, Lee Yasinski, Welding instructor and Skills Coach; Ben Rainforth, RDP apprentice; Ken Heather, retired Welding instructor; Chris Browton, Executive Director, Skills Canada Alberta
At its annual Building on Excellence event, Red Deer Polytechnic celebrated a talented group of apprentices who demonstrated high-level knowledge and superb abilities at Skills competitions during the past year.
In 2023, Red Deer Polytechnic apprentices earned two gold, two silver and one bronze medal at the Skills Canada Alberta competition. Ben Rainforth (Welding) also achieved gold at the Skills Canada National competition. Rainforth’s accomplishment was the fifth consecutive gold medal that was earned by RDP Welding apprentices at the national level. As a result of his achievements, Rainforth qualified to compete at the 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France which will be held in September 2024.
“We were proud to gather as a Polytechnic community with industry partners, alumni and supporters to acknowledge the outstanding accomplishments of RDP apprentices at Skills competitions,” says David Pye, Dean, School of Trades and Technology. “The ongoing success of our apprentices reflects the expertise and dedication of RDP’s instructors and the quality, industry-relevant learning opportunities that are available at our institution and are complemented by employers.”
Red Deer Polytechnic apprentices continue to be among the top post-secondary achievers across Alberta and Canada. Since 2003, the Polytechnic’s apprentices have incredibly achieved a total of 79 medals at Skills Canada Alberta and Skills Canada National competitions.
“Today’s event not only celebrated the accomplishments of Red Deer Polytechnic apprentices, but it provided an opportunity for us to thank our employees and industry partners for their contributions to the development of our learners,” says Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience. “These partnerships are essential to train skilled trades workers and address labour market demand, contributing to the economic growth of Alberta.”
The next Post-Secondary Skills Canada Alberta competition will be held at the Edmonton EXPO Centre May 8 and 9, 2024.
Here is a summary of the achievements by Red Deer Polytechnic apprentices at Skills competitions in 2023:
Skills Canada National
- Gold medal - Ben Rainforth, Welding
Skills Canada Alberta
- Gold medal - Ben Rainforth, Welding
- Gold medal - Jared Quast, Sprinkler Systems Installations
- Silver medal – Jared Gamble, Plumbing
- Silver medal – Joseph Saunderson, Sprinkler Systems Installations
- Bronze medal – Ryley Bakken, Steamfitter/Pipefitter