SASKATOON — Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Graphic Communications program continues to cement its reputation as a launchpad for world-class talent, with recent graduate Jorda Thomas earning a coveted spot on Team Canada for the 2026 WorldSkills competition in Shanghai.
This spring Thomas received a gold medal and best in region award at the Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC), repeating last year’s national success. She graduated in June and is now preparing for her future career as well as diving into intensive training for the global stage at the 2026 WorldSkills competition.
Behind her success is a powerhouse team of instructors, all of whom are Sask Polytech Graphic Communications and Skills Canada Saskatchewan alumni. Leading the charge is Cody Peterson, Sask Polytech instructor and expert lead for WorldSkills. This spring Peterson received a prestigious SCNC Volunteer Achievement Award recognizing his years of volunteerism and leadership in the Skills movement.
“The SCNC award is given in recognition of contributions made to Skills Canada,” says Peterson. “For me, it’s not about the recognition. It’s about the legacy. I’m often seen as the figurehead of our collective effort in the Graphic Communications program. This award represents the time we’ve all put in. Our success is 100 per cent a team effort.”
Peterson, who began his career journey in a sign shop when he was 14, now teaches in the very program that shaped his career. He’s been a Skills competitor at the national level and a volunteer as a national technical committee representative. He was a trainer for WorldSkills Team Canada beginning in 2014, moving into an expert in graphic design technology since 2018.
He says his involvement with Skills benefits not only competitors, but all students in the Graphic Communications program. The experience shapes the overall curriculum, not just the training modules designed for those pursuing provincial, national or international competitions.
On top of his regular teaching responsibilities, Peterson designs and oversees the training plans for Thomas, while Kyla Henry, a fellow instructor and also a medallist at SCNC (Gold) and WorldSkills (Medallion of Excellence), oversees day-to-day competitor training. Henry will serve as Thomas’ official trainer for the upcoming 2026 WorldSkills competition.
The faculty’s deep bench strength includes instructors Roxanne Symon and Joel Davis, both SCNC gold medallists, along with program head Heather Craigie. Their shared experience creates a culture of excellence that permeates throughout the program.
“We talk a lot about legacy building,” says Craigie. “We’re building on a foundation that’s been 25-to-30 years in the making. Our continued involvement with Skills gives us access to the highest quality assessment tools in the world. That directly benefits our Graphic Communications curriculum and our students.”
The program’s global perspective and commitment to excellence prepares graduates for careers anywhere in the world. “We’re confident our grads can work in any area of the industry, in any part of the world,” says Peterson.
That commitment goes beyond the classroom. In preparation for WorldSkills 2024, the team hosted a practice competition at Regina campus, bringing together Sask Polytech student Clyde Abanid and international competitors from Austria, France and Switzerland. The event helped identify training gaps and refine skills ahead of the global competition in Lyon, France. This practical competition was a great success and Peterson is hoping to plan one again for 2026 to give Thomas the best possible preparation.
The program’s alumni often return as instructors or mentors, continuing the cycle of excellence. “We’ve created an environment where students want to come back and be part of what we’re building,” Craigie says. “It’s not just about medals. It’s about helping students become the best version of themselves — and then helping others do the same.”
As Thomas prepares to represent Canada on the world stage, the Graphic Communications program at Sask Polytech stands as a testament to what’s possible when passion, mentorship and legacy come together.
Sask Polytech’s past Graphic Communications WorldSkills competitors:
- Roxanne Symon, 2015 WorldSkills Medallion of Excellence
- Kyla Henry, 2017 WorldSkills Medallion of Excellence
- Taylor Ehman, 2019 Team Canada Candidate
- Leah Lucyshyn, 2022 WorldSkills Medallion of Excellence
- Clyde Abanid, 2024 WorldSkills competitor
Learn more about Sask Polytech’s Graphic Communications program.
— Submitted by Sask. Polytech Media Relations
