Medicine Hat College trades students compete on a provincial stage at Skills Alberta
Colter Kallenberger (left) winning silver and standing at podium at Skills Alberta.
Six students from the School of Trades & Technology at Medicine Hat College (MHC) put their skills to the test at the 2026 Skills Alberta Provincial Competition, held May 6-7 in Edmonton.
Bringing together top competitors from across the province in more than 40 trades and technology categories, the event, which is often described as the Olympics of trades, challenges participants with industry-designed projects reflecting real-world standards.
“Medicine Hat College competitors continue to build on a strong tradition of excellence at Skills competitions. Their achievements reflect the support they receive through their programs and the exceptional talent developing across southeastern Alberta,” says Dr. Morgan Blair, Dean of the School. “We are incredibly proud of everyone involved, and these results highlight the strength of trades and technology education in our region.”
Competitors and their instructors included:
- Colter Kallenberger, Heavy Vehicle Technology (Coach: Keon Clift)
- Logan Demontigny, Steamfitter/Pipefitter (Coach: Chad Baron)
- Kenneth Collin, Welding (Coach: Zenon Parchewsky)
- Benjamin Drewitz, Architectural Design (Coach: Felix Piayda)
- Jayce Rasmuson, Automotive Service Technician (Coaches: Dalton Anderson and Lee Eiserman)
- Grayson Misson, Electrical (Coach: Stan Hansen)
Kallenberger earned a silver medal, while Demontigny captured bronze and was also named safest worker in his trade.
“Our instructors put in a lot of their own time to help us prepare, and that really makes a difference,” said Kallenberger. “You feel supported going into something like this.”
Preparing for Skills Alberta requires significant commitment, with students and instructors dedicating personal time to competition readiness. The experience gives participants the opportunity to apply their classroom learning in practical settings while building confidence and problem-solving skills under pressure.
“You’re never going to know everything,” Kallenberger added. “You just have to apply what you know and see where it takes you.”
The competition also strengthens connections between education and industry, with experts evaluating performance to ensure training aligns with workforce needs. Top competitors may advance to represent Team Alberta at the Skills Canada National Competition.
MHC students have a strong track record at Skills competitions, with some progressing to national and international stages.
Curious about where your skills could take you? Learn more about the School of Trades & Technology at www.mhc.ab.ca/school-of-trades-and-technology.