A Red Deer College alumnus flexed his plumbing skills on the global stage with Team Canada at the WorldSkills Kazan competition in Russia.
Taylor McCallum was one of 32 Canadian champions who competed at the three-day event.
“Representing Canada was such a surreal experience,” the Red Deer College graduate said after the event.
“It was, hands down, one of the best things I have ever been a part of.”
The 45th annual WorldSkills competition was an elite event featuring skills excellence, with 1,300 competitors from more than 60 countries and an estimated 250,000 visitors.
With 56 competition areas, McCallum represented Canada in the plumbing and heating category.
While he didn’t make the medal standings, McCallum had an unforgettable experience in August.
His challenges including installing a hydronic heating system, and a towel bar that he designed, installing drainage and water lines, and completing two speed tests.
“One of the main strengths Taylor had in competing was that he didn’t stress over the competition,” said RDC plumbing instructor Lee Hallett, who was McCallum’s coach leading up to the event.
“He really grew in his ability to trust himself and his work. He was able to do what needed to be done and keep moving forward through it all.”
Joel Gingrich, dean of RDC’s school of trades and technologies, said the types of experiences that McCallum gained at WorldSkills “are motivational for our current apprentices and inspirational for those considering a career in trades,” he said.
“We are extremely proud of Taylor for how he represented Canada, Alberta and RDC.”