Jason Parnell

My Skills Background
As an instructor at SAIT, I’m committed to preparing apprentices with the skills, mindset, and confidence they need to succeed in today’s industry. For the past 12 years, I’ve been actively involved in Skills competitions as a volunteer, Judge, and Trainer, as well as serving on both the Provincial and National Technical Committees—where I now hold the position of Chair.

Training Champions
My training approach is to create a positive, supportive learning environment while balancing skill development with real-world practice scenarios that simulate competition pressure. I emphasize mastery of skills, adaptability, troubleshooting, and building a winning mindset so that my competitor is fully prepared for the challenge ahead.

For me, success as a Trainer means that my competitor arrives at the competition fully prepared. Winning a medal would be the icing on the cake, but what matters most is that my competitor leaves as a stronger tradesperson—with enhanced skills, greater confidence, valuable connections, and memories and lessons that will last a lifetime.

Why I Love Volunteering
Volunteering with Skills helps me grow as both an educator and a professional. It gives me the chance to collaborate with some of the best in our industry, refine my teaching methods, expand my technical expertise, and bring fresh insights back to my students. Like many who devote so much time to Skills, I couldn’t do it without the unwavering support of my family—for which I am truly grateful.