Red Deer College graduate, Taylor McCallum represented Team Canada at the WorldSkills Kazan in August, coming home as one of 32 Canadian representatives for his expertise in plumbing.

McCallum had a few years to hone his craft in school and in other National Skills competitions before competing on the world stage.

Coming in fourth place his first year, in his second Skills Competition he earned gold qualifying him for the 45th annual WorldSkills competition in Kazan, Russia. The experience was altogether overwhelming for McCallum.

“It just seemed pretty normal and then it turned into something bigger and bigger and then it turned into something way bigger than I thought I would ever be part of," McCallum said.

The competition included 1,300 competitors from around the world and an estimated 250,000 visitors. Despite the huge audience, McCallum felt a little strange in Russia without his normal supporters.

“Going to Russia I didn’t have any family or friends, I had a couple of people that I knew from team Alberta which was good but it was a big difference like the time change was I think nine hours, and everything was so much different," he said.

During the competition, McCallum installed a hydroponic heating system as well as a towel bar of his own design, installed drainage and water lines, and completed two different speed challenges.

However, these kind of competitions weren’t always something McCallum thought he would be involved in.

“I was a little hesitant at first I didn’t really want to but I decided to do it and it turned out to be a pretty good opportunity for me," he said.

In the end, McCallum appreciated his time competing and credits his confidence and control over stress to his time competing.

“It’s an amazing experience. The skills Alberta helps out amazingly and it just opens up for doors for you. You meet lots of new people and probably one of the best experiences that I have had so far.”

With this participation under his belt and graduation completed as of February 2019, McCallum will be working as a journeyman plumber and gasfitter heading forward.