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Introducing WorldSkills Team Canada 2026: 30 of our Nation’s Best Skilled Trade and Technology Competitors are Headed to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026!

OTTAWA, Ontario, July 15, 2025 – 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, notforprofit 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 

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MEDIA CONTACT: Michèle Rogerson, micheler@skillscanada.com, 613-266-4771. 

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