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Master skills, change your future. That’s the slogan for the Worldskills Competition taking place in Shanghai, China, in September 2026. It could also be the slogan for Luke Emeny, the ������Ƶ student who will be representing Canada in the Heavy Vehicle Technology category at the international event.

Luke’s first step towards Worldskills began when he enrolled in NWP’s unique ThinkBIG Service Technician diploma program. NWP’s Fairview campus is the only post-secondary in Canada to offer this globally recognized program in partnership with Finning Canada and Caterpillar Inc. Students complete five 16-week blocks divided into 8 weeks of classroom theory and labs on campus, followed by a paid 8-week work practicum at a licensed Finning location.

After high school, Luke spent a year studying physics and genetics at the University of Alberta before pivoting to heavy equipment. “I’ve been working on mechanical stuff since I was a kid for fun,” he says. Luke began the ThinkBIG program in 2024, drawn partly by the prospect of fast-tracking his studies over 20 months. While employment with Finning isn’t guaranteed at the end of the program, every effort is made to accommodate successful students.

Luke relocated from Edmonton and quickly discovered friends in residence and a supportive teaching and admin team. It was his instructors who first suggested he enter the 2025 Post-Secondary Provincial Skills Canada Competition, which took a little convincing. Luke wasn’t sure he wanted to miss time in the classroom to travel to Edmonton for a potentially high-pressure experience.

“It sounded fun but high stakes,” Luke recalls. 

“They thought I had a pretty good chance.” Once he agreed, his instructors stepped up to tutor him at lunch and after school to fill him in on skills and theory he hadn’t covered yet.

The result of that intense preparation was a gold medal in the Heavy Vehicle category and a trip to the Skills Canada National Competition in late May.

Luke headed to Regina with Team Alberta, while instructors Rob Young and Scott Bailer met him there to continue their support and mentorship. After another tough competition, Luke finished on the podium with a bronze medal – and the opportunity to compete in Shanghai. The combination of Luke’s skills and the competition’s age eligibility requirements means Luke joins WorldSkills Team Canada 2026, the first NWP student to do so.

“It’s a bit unbelievable,” Luke says, “and probably the best opportunity I’ve ever been given. Making it to Team Canada was the highlight.” The win also comes with an opportunity to take part in WorldSkills Team Canada training for a week outside of Canada. “I’m hoping for Switzerland or Austria,” says Luke. “When it comes to heavy equipment, those guys know what they’re doing.”

Luke sees the Skills Competitions as an opportunity on a number of levels. “The number of people I’ve met, the chance to travel… it’s all been really fun,” he says. The win was also a confidence booster, giving him a chance to show that his competence extends beyond schoolwork to being good with hands-on skills too. Outside of school, Luke can be found golfing, working on old vehicles, spending time with his girlfriend and a tight-knit group of friends, as well as keeping up his skills on the cello, an instrument he’s played since he was four.

Luke wants to send his thanks to everyone who has helped him with his Skills Canada success. ������Ƶs sends our thanks to Luke for making NWP proud provincially, nationally and soon, internationally. Best of luck in Shanghai!