Red Deer Polytechnic Electrical Apprentice is ready for WorldSkills

Red Deer Polytechnic Apprentice Tristen Hatto is set to demonstrate his national-leading Electrical Installations competencies at WorldSkills International Competition in Salzburg, Austria. Twenty-four contestants from post-secondary institutions around the globe will vie for top spot in Electrical Installations from November 24-26, 2022.  

Hatto qualified for the prestigious competition after earning gold in Electrical Installations at both Skills Canada Alberta and Skills Canada National Competitions in May. He is excited about many components of the WorldSkills experience. 

“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.”  

Welch has helped to simulate the WorldSkills environment for Hatto to train. 

“We prepared a workplace similar to what Tristen will experience during the competition in Austria. He has been working on the electrical programming aspect of WorldSkills,” explains Welch. “Tristen will have to install a power distribution panel, control panels, various conduits, raceways, electrical devices, and program logics. He will also be required to test his installation before energizing, then energize and test for function.” 

Red Deer Polytechnic’s Skilled Trades Programming has built a positive reputation that has extended well beyond Alberta.  

“With high-quality learning opportunities at Red Deer Polytechnic, our apprentices have demonstrated an impressive track record provincially and nationally and are able to compete among the best in their trade on the global stage,” says Joel Gingrich, Dean, Red Deer Polytechnic’s School of Education and Trades. “Our dedicated instructors and staff provide the best learning experiences possible for apprentices in convenient and dynamic ways. These experiences have helped Tristen to advance his competencies in Electrical Installations to an international level.” 

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 and Welch will leave for Austria on November 19. 

“I wish Tristen and Terry well at WordSkills and I know they will be tremendous representatives of Red Deer Polytechnic in Austria,” says Gingrich. 

Additional information about Electrical Installations at WorldSkills 2022 is available online.