OTTAWA, Ontario, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In recognition of World Youth Skills Day, which underscores the vital role of skills development among young people, Skills/Compétences Canada (SCC) is proud to officially announce the 30 talented members of WorldSkills Team Canada 2026.These young competitors will begin their training to prepare for the 48th WorldSkills Competition, in Shanghai, China, which will be held from September 22-27, 2026.
Here are the official members of WorldSkills Team Canada 2026:
Tyler Gunther, Industrial Mechanics, Alberta
Cole Hunter, Mechatronics, Ontario
Grant Maddock, Mechatronics, Ontario
Samuel Bolduc, Mechanical Engineering CAD, Québec
Félix Lafrance, CNC Turning, Québec
Jacob McClelland, CNC Milling, Alberta
Lucas Stang, Welding, Alberta
Ethan Almeida, Autobody Repair, Ontario
Benjamin Jamison, Aircraft Maintenance, Alberta
Kylar Bloomberg, Plumbing and Heating, Alberta
Cooper Ross, Web Technologies, Alberta
Keegan Sturge, Electrical Installations, Alberta
Eric Wu, Industrial Control, British Columbia
Maximilian De Belle-Holowka, Bricklaying, Québec
Tate McGarry, Cabinetmaking, Alberta
Misha Marien, Hairdressing, Québec
Taylor Brewster, Beauty Therapy, Manitoba
Dhefen Goh, Fashion Technology, British Columbia
Marianne Masson, Pâtisserie and Confectionery, Québec
Carter Kokot, Automobile Technology, Alberta
Luca Assad, Cooking, Ontario
Anika Jones, Car Painting, Alberta
Logan Poisson, Landscape Gardening, Québec
Charlie Véronneau, Landscape Gardening, Québec
Xavier Bélanger, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, Québec
Veljko Stevanovic, IT Network System Administration, British Columbia
Jorda Thomas, Graphic Design Technology, Saskatchewan
Luke Emeny, Heavy Vehicle Technology, Alberta
Brooke Heaman, 3D Digital Game Art, Manitoba
Logan Bowers, Cloud Computing, Newfoundland and Labrador
Following the Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) 2025, in Regina, last May, the highest ranking, age eligible participant in each identified Skill Area, was selected to participate in the next WorldSkills Competition. WorldSkills Team Canada (WSTC) 2026 will meet for the first time next Fall, where they will begin preparations for the 48th WorldSkills Competition. These competitors will be participating in various training activities and a mental preparation program over the next year.
“We take great pride in the accomplishments of these exceptional competitors and look forward to witnessing their continued success at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026,” said Shaun Thorson, Chief Executive Officer of Skills/Compétences Canada. “As they strive for excellence on the international stage, they exemplify the talent, dedication, and potential of Canada’s future skilled workforce.”
WSTC 2026 will participate at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 against competitors from around the globe. These competitors represent the best of their peers and have earned a spot on their country’s team through their dedication and hard work. At WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, approximately 1,500 competitors from more than 70 Member countries and regions will compete in over 60 Skill Areas for the title of world champion in their respective trade or technology. The 48th WorldSkills Competition will take place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center, in front of approximately 250,000 spectators. This four-day WorldSkills Competition is the biggest of its kind in the world and is considered the pinnacle of excellence in skilled trade and technology training. The theme of the 48th WorldSkills Competition is: Master Skills, Change Your Future. Nexans is the Presenting Sponsor for WorldSkills Team Canada 2026.
“At Nexans, we believe that investing in the next generation of skilled tradespeople is essential to building a more sustainable and electrified future. We are proud to support Skills Canada and stand behind these talented young individuals whose passion and perseverance will power the Canada industries of tomorrow,” said Dixon Lee, Marketing and Innovation Director at Nexans Canada.
Throughout the year, you can follow WorldSkills Team Canada’s journey on the Skills/Compétences Canada website and social media channels. Competitor biographies will be published over the summer, and biographies of the WorldSkills Experts and Trainers will be available on our website in the coming months. Here is the list of WorldSkills Team Canada 2026 Experts, Trainers and Competitors.
About Skills/Compétences Canada
Skills/Compétences Canada was founded in 1989 as a national, not‐for‐profit organization that works with employers, educators, labour groups and governments to promote skilled trade and technology careers among Canadian youth. For more information visit: www.skillscompetencescanada.com
Follow Skills/Compétences Canada on X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok. #WSTC2026
MEDIA CONTACT: Michèle Rogerson, [email protected], 613-266-4771.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/26d93dde-5c7f-4149-af87-315fa1990fa9