RDP welding student Lucas Stang has earned a coveted spot to compete on the international stage at the 2026 WorldSkills Competition in China.
Stang brought home gold from the 2025 Skills Canada National Competition, held May 29 and 30 in Regina, to qualify for the 48th annual WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, from Sept. 22 to 27, 2026.
RDP said Stang's 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 RDP welding instructor Lee Yasinski.
Adam Moore, an RDP sprinkler systems installer apprentice, also made his mark at the national level, ranking sixth. Moore 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,” said David Pye, RDP's Dean of the School of Trades and Technology, in a statement.
“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.”
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, RDP said.
More than 500 of Canada’s top high school and post-secondary students competed in 40 skilled trade and technology events at the Skills Canada National Competition.
Since 2003, RDP apprentices have accumulated 94 medals at Provincial and National Skill Canada events, as well as WorldSkills competitions.
For more information about Red Deer Polytechnic’s 17 apprenticeship programs, visit rdpolytech.ca/trades.
