RED DEER POLYTECHNIC
RDP Welding Journeyperson earns bronze in global competition

Ben Rainforth, a Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) welding journeyperson, demonstrated his world class welding knowledge and skills, earning a bronze medal recently at the 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France.

Lacombe's Rainforth trained diligently for WorldSkills with Lee Yasinski, an RDP welding instructor and trainer.

"We are extremely proud of Ben earning a bronze medal at WorldSkills," says Stuart Cullum, President, Red Deer Polytechnic. "This not only reflects the dedication and hard work from Ben and his Skills Coach Lee, but also the world class skilled trades programming that we offer at Red Deer Polytechnic."

Only Sanghyeok Lee (gold) from Korea and Zehong Hu (silver) from China placed ahead of Rainforth in welding at the prestigious event which took place from September 10 to 15.

"I want to congratulate Ben and Lee. To place third in the world is an incredible accomplishment and a testament to Ben's dedication," says David Pye, Dean, School of Trades and Technology at RDP. "Along with numerous hours Ben trained for WorldSkills, his path to success was supported by his trainer Lee Yasinski, RDP faculty and staff, industry partners and members of our communities."

In addition to other commitments, Rainforth and Yasinski treated this training as a full-time job, dedicating approximately 40 hours per week to prepare for the international competition.

"I have received the best training in the country at RDP and continue to develop my skills not only as a welder, but in life as well," says Rainforth, a red seal welder and Youth Ambassador on the Government of Alberta's Advisory Council of Skilled Trades.

Yasinski has been impressed with Rainforth's dedication and sees potential for him to experience more success in the future.

"What an incredible display of excellence to bring home a bronze medallion in welding at worlds. I am very proud of Ben," says Yasinski. "If Ben tackles life with the same passion and commitment he displayed in training, the sky is the limit."

During the past few years, Rainforth has grown his impact as a welder provincially, nationally and globally.

In 2023, he achieved gold medals at both the Skills Canada Alberta and Skills Canada National competitions, contributing to RDP's legacy of excellence at these events. Since 2003, RDP apprentices have earned a total of 83 medals at Skills Canada Alberta and Skills Canada National competitions. When Rainforth earned gold at the Skills Canada National competition in 2023, it was the fifth consecutive gold medal that was earned by RDP welding apprentices at the national level.

"It has been inspiring to watch Ben's development over the last four years," adds Pye. "We are immensely proud of Ben. As the third largest provider of skilled trades education in Alberta, we are proud to offer dynamic opportunities that prepare apprentices for in-demand careers that contribute to the provincial economy."

For more information about RDP's 17 skilled trades programs, please visit: rdpolytech.ca/trades.