RDP Apprentices Continue to Excel at 2025 Skills Canada National Competition

Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) apprentices continue to showcase their industry-leading expertise on the national stage, earning gold in welding for the seventh year in a row, and sixth place in sprinkler systems installer. 

At the 2025 Skills Canada National Competition, held May 29 and 30 in Regina, Saskatchewan, RDP Welding apprentice Lucas Stang earned gold, earning a coveted spot at the 2026 WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China. His victory extends RDP’s impressive track record in welding, with apprentices from the Polytechnic clinching national gold in six of the past seven years—a clear testament to the program’s prominence in Canada. Stang was trained by Lee Yasinski, RDP Welding Instructor. 

Adam Moore, an RDP Sprinkler Systems Installer apprentice, also made his mark at the national level, ranking sixth. Adam was mentored by Chris McCloskey, Polytechnic Sprinkler Systems Installer Instructor.

“We are incredibly proud of Lucas and Adam for representing RDP well at the Skills Canada Alberta Competition,” says David Pye, Dean of the School of Trades and Technology at Red Deer Polytechnic. “They exemplify the success that comes from collaboration between instructors, staff and industry partners, which helps create dynamic education and training opportunities. As Alberta’s third-largest provider of skilled trades education, RDP plays a crucial role in developing talent and addressing labour market needs across the province and nation.”

Adding to the celebration, Dane Schmidt, an RDP-mentored high school student in welding, also earned a gold medal, showcasing the Polytechnic’s impact in nurturing skilled professionals prior to officially starting post-secondary training.

Over the years, RDP apprentices have consistently thrived on provincial, national and international platforms. Since 2003, RDP apprentices have accumulated 94 medals at Provincial and National Skills Canada events, as well as WorldSkills competitions, underscoring their sustained excellence.

By equipping students with in-demand skills, RDP makes a significant contribution to labour market productivity and the province’s economic prosperity.

At the Skills Canada National Competition, more than 500 of Canada’s top high school and post-secondary students competed in 40 skilled trade and technology events. 

Stang will proudly represent Red Deer Polytechnic and Canada on the international stage. The 48th WorldSkills Competition will take place in Shanghai, China, from September 22 to 27, 2026, when Stang will compete alongside the world’s best in welding.

Learn more about Red Deer Polytechnic’s 17 apprenticeship programs.