Congratulations to BCIT students Eric Wu and Veljko Stevanovic for being selected to represent Team Canada at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China in September 2026. Both students previously earned medals at the 2025 Skills Canada BC and Skills Canada National competitions, and will proudly compete on the global stage for skills in Shanghai.
Maple Ridge resident Eric Wu will compete in the Industrial Control category, while Vancouver resident Veljko Stevanovic will compete in the IT Network Systems Administration category.
The WorldSkills Competition, held every two years, is the world’s largest international skills competition that brings together young people, industry, education and government leaders from around the world to advance technical and vocational education, as well as training. WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 will welcome participants representing 65 member countries and regions, who will compete in 85 skill areas.
Turning hands-on learning into winning gold medals
Eric, who completed the BCIT Electrical Foundation program, attributes the skills and training he received to his earning gold medals in previous Skills competitions.
“The Electrical Foundation program was very hands-on and gave me the confidence to participate in the Skills Canada BC and Skills Canada National competitions,” says Eric. “I was nervous in the beginning, but once the competition started, I was totally focused and really enjoying it.”
He says he’s excited and proud to represent Canada at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, and is already thinking about how to prepare for the competition. “I’m going to start by practicing my previous winning projects, and I might even go abroad to practice with competitors in different countries, which would be very exciting.”
Eric also credits his BCIT instructors for his success so far, and he later plans to obtain his industrial electrician red seal certification.
From BCIT labs to the global stage
Veljko is currently in the BCIT Computer Information Systems Administration (CISA) program, and says he really enjoyed competing at Skills Canada National.
“It was very exciting to compete at a national level,” says Veljko. “The labs we’ve done in the CISA program, where we work with operating and network systems equipment, really helped prepare me for it as well.”
He says he’s looking forward to travelling to Shanghai for WorldSkills, and to experience competing on a global platform. “It’s a great honour for me to represent Canada on this international level,” says Veljko. “I’m also glad that I’ll have a coach and an expert to help me prepare for the competition.”
Veljko is thankful to his BCIT instructors for nominating him for the Skills Canada BC competition, which has ultimately led him to competing on the world stage in Shanghai. For now, he’s looking forward to completing the CISA program, and then establishing his career in Information Technology (IT) infrastructure.
Preparing students to shine globally
Patrick Duffey, BCIT Computer Information Systems Administration Department Head, says, “Equipping students with technical skills to shine on a global stage is a natural extension of the program’s focus in preparing them for the workforce.”
Patrick plays a key role in mentoring Veljko throughout his competitions. He shares, “Training for the WorldSkills Competition and representing Canada is a daunting event, especially for Veljko as he will be completing his BCIT diploma while preparing for the competition simultaneously.”
“Veljko is in a strong position to represent BCIT and Canada on the world stage next year at the World Skills Competition 2026 in Shanghai. We have already begun the training process and connected with the support system through Skills Canada,” adds Patrick. “We are all very proud of Veljko.”
The value of participating in WorldSkills
BCIT Electrical Trades Department Head Clarence Burlock has been supporting students for Skills Canada BC and Skills Canada National competitions for over 15 years. Clarence says the WorldSkills competition is a powerful stepping stone to help students build a successful future in skilled trades.
“WorldSkills promotes excellence and pushes students to refine their skills to meet international standards, which can lead to better career opportunities and personal growth,” says Clarence. “It also fosters cultural exchange, teamwork, and innovation, helping young participants become more adaptable and competitive in today’s global workforce.”
He says it’s a rewarding experience to see his students compete in WorldSkills, and not only reflects their hard work and talent, but also the dedication and mentorship that went into guiding them to that level.
“Watching a student represent their country and perform on a global stage brings a deep sense of accomplishment and pride,” says Clarence. “It’s more than a competition — it’s a shared success that highlights the value of education, mentorship, and perseverance.”
Clarence adds that time management, attention to detail, and the ability to perform under pressure are key to Skills competitions, and advises students interested in competing to build strong technical skills through hands-on practice.
Congratulations Eric and Veljko!
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(Photo credit: Photos of Eric Wu and Veljko Stevanovi are sourced from SkillsCompetencesCanada Flickr album)