A Red Deer Polytechnic electrical apprentice will compete in the WorldSkills International Competition next week.
Tristen Hatto of Blackfalds will demonstrate in national-leading electrical installations competencies at the event in Salzburg, Austria from Nov. 24-26.
Twenty-four individuals from post-secondary institutions around the globe will vie for the top spot in the electrical installations competition.
“I’m looking forward to meeting and talking with electricians from all over the world, as well as learning new skills and techniques within our trade,” Hatto said.
Hatto qualified for the prestigious competition after earning gold in Electrical Installations at both Skills Canada Alberta and Skills Canada National Competitions in May.
“Since I started my Electrician Apprenticeship back in 2018, RDP instructors have encouraged and prepared me to compete in the Skills Canada National Competition,” said Hatto.
“They have stayed late and taken extra time to explain topics more in depth and that has helped a lot. I’m very grateful Terry has offered his free time to help prepare me for the WorldSkills Competition.”
Terry Welch, electrician instructor and skills coach, has helped to simulate the WorldSkills environment for Hatto to train.
“We prepared a workplace similar to what Tristen will experience during competition in Austria. He has been working on the electrical programming aspect of WorldSkills,” said Welch.
“Tristen will have to install a power distribution panel, control panels, various conduits, raceways, electrical devices, and program logics. He will also be required to test his installation before energizing, then energize and test for function.”
Over the past seven years, RDP apprentices have captured a total of four gold and two silver medals at Skills Canada National Competitions, and 20 gold, 13 silver and nine bronze medals at Skills Canada Alberta Competitions.
Hatto aims to place in the top three at WorldSkills, but he is also focusing on improving his electrical knowledge and skills.
“I hope to leave Austria a better electrician than I was before,” Hatto said.
Both Hatto and Welch will leave for Austria on Saturday.
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