Red Deer Polytechnic’s Tristen Hatto will be competing in the WorldSkills International Competition in Salzburg, Austria. Hatto will be showing off his electrical installation competencies after earning gold medals in the provincial and national Skills competitions earlier this year.  

“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,” he says.  

Hatto’s journey to WorldSkills began four years ago. During this span, Red Deer Polytechnic instructors, including Terry Welch (Electrician Instructor and Skills Coach), have played integral roles in training Hatto for the provincial, national and global competitions.  

“Since I started my Electrician Apprenticeship back in 2018, RDP instructors have encouraged and prepared me to compete in the Skills Canada National Competition,” explains 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.” 

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.  

“Having instructors that are passionate and knowledgeable about skilled trades and the various Skills competitions play a huge role in the success of RDP Apprentices,” says Hatto. “The Polytechnic has a lot of specialty equipment that I need in order to train, so I have also been able to work at home.”  

While Hatto aims to place in the top three at WorldSkills, he is also looking to improve his electrical knowledge and skills.  

“I hope to leave Austria a better electrician than I was before,” adds Hatto. “My goal is to do the best I can and hopefully win a medal.”  

Hatto will leave for Austria on November 19.