RDP Journeypersons Named Provincial Skilled Trades Youth Ambassadors

Two Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) welding journeypersons have been recently appointed to an Advisory Council of Skilled Trades Youth Ambassadors by Alberta’s Minister of Advanced Education Rajan Sawhney.

Eden Marklund and Ben Rainforth are among 12 young adults on the Advisory Council actively engaged in skilled trades. In this role, they will help the Government of Alberta to promote skilled trades to youth and grow the industry. The ambassadors were nominated by their post-secondary institutions based on performance excellence during their apprenticeships.

“We are very proud of Eden and Ben as they begin roles on the Government of Alberta’s Advisory Council and help to advance the future of skilled trades across the province,” says David Pye, Dean, School of Trades and Technology at RDP. “They are talented and hardworking journeypersons, who reflect the quality education and training opportunities available at RDP in collaboration with industry partners.”

While Alberta’s apprenticeship registration has increased during the past few years, more skilled trades workers are needed to build housing and expand infrastructure.

Marklund, who is from Hinton, is thrilled to be a Youth Ambassador and play a role in helping to fulfill labour market demand in the province.

“As I support the Minister of Advanced Education on this initiative, I am incredibly excited to be part of the Advisory Council that will help encourage more youth to enter the skilled trades industry,” says Marklund. “This Council will highlight the benefits of pursuing a career in the skilled trades, creating a positive impact across Alberta.”

Lacombe’s Rainforth is proud to contribute to the Advisory Council and help impact the workforce.  

“I am honoured to be selected as an advisor to help build a better future for the current and next generation of tradespeople,” says Rainforth. “As an ambassador, I am looking forward to connecting with like-minded individuals who share the same passion for the skilled trades.”

The Youth Ambassadors, including Marklund and Rainforth, will serve a term of six months.

Marklund appreciates the Polytechnic’s skilled trades programming and instructors for helping to advance her welding knowledge and skills.

“The skilled trades department at RDP is truly one of the best in Alberta,” says Marklund. “My instructors were patient, encouraging and truly wanted me to succeed.”

As a qualifier for the 2024 WorldSkills Competition in welding, Rainforth credits RDP’s nationally recognized skilled trades programming for preparing him beyond the global event.

“I have received the best training in the country at RDP and continue to develop my skills not only as a welder, but in life as well,” adds Rainforth, a red seal welder.

Rainforth will represent RDP and Canada at the WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France from September 10-15, 2024. Since 2003, RDP apprentices have earned a total of 83 medals at Skills Canada Alberta and Skills Canada National competitions.

Learn more about RDP’s 17 skilled trades programs.