SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC
Saskatchewan Polytechnic hosts practice competition for WorldSkills 2024

Last week, Saskatchewan Polytechnic hosted a practice competition at its Regina campus in preparation for the upcoming WorldSkills 2024 event. The competition brought together Clyde Abanid, a talented Graphic Communications student from Sask Polytech, along with international competitors from Austria, France and Switzerland. This practice competition served as a valuable opportunity for Abanid and other students to test their graphic design skills and bridge any training gaps before the WorldSkills 2024 competition in Lyon, France next fall. Notably, this was the first time Sask Polytech organized a WorldSkills practice competition.

"Inviting international guests allows for collaboration on assessment strategies and provides invaluable networking opportunities for Graphic Communications instructors and students," says Cody Peterson, Sask Polytech Graphic Communications instructor. "By simulating realistic competition conditions, including setup and difficulty level, we aim to provide the best possible preparation for Clyde."

Abanid's journey to the WorldSkills competition began in 2023 when he secured a silver medal at the Skills Canada Saskatchewan provincial competition. He then went on to win gold at the Skills Canada national competition, earning him a spot in the prestigious WorldSkills competition in France this year.

The practice competition spanned four days during which competitors completed three six-hour projects and one four-hour project. Each project focused on a different client and subject matter, covering various areas of graphic design such as branding, packaging, editorial and advertising. The projects and assessment tools were developed by Sask Polytech's Graphic Communications faculty, Kyla Henry, Roxanne Symon and Joel Davis.

"Planning an event of this magnitude requires months of preparation and coordination from our dedicated instructors," emphasizes Heather Craigie, Graphic Communications, Interactive Design & Technology program head. "From accommodations and meals to transportation and competition equipment, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure a seamless experience for our visiting competitors. I'd also like to thank Skills Compétences Canada for their ongoing support."

In addition to the intense competition, Symon organized an informal celebration for the competitors allowing them some free time to explore Regina.

"The event was a resounding success, and we hope to establish it as a bi-annual event that WorldSkills competitors and experts from around the world will not want to miss. With the expertise of our faculty, we aim to build a reputation for hosting one of the best practice events leading up to the WorldSkills competition," shares Peterson.

Events like the WorldSkills practice competition reflect Sask Polytech's commitment to providing exceptional training and opportunities for its students.

Learn more about the Graphic Communications diploma program.