Assiniboine College Graduate to Represent Canada at WorldSkills 2026 in Shanghai

Assiniboine College graduate Brooke Heaman is set to represent Canada in 3D Digital Game Art at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China. The global event will take place from September 22 to 27 and bring together about 1,400 competitors from more than 70 countries and regions across skilled trades and technology disciplines.

WorldSkills is a major international competition showcasing technical and vocational skills, with participants competing against international standards in simulated workplace challenges.

From Assiniboine Graduate to Team Canada Competitor

Heaman completed Assiniboine College's Digital Art & Design programme in 2025. Her place on Team Canada followed a gold-medal performance in 3D Digital Game Art at the 2025 Skills Canada National Competition in Regina.

Her success has now taken her from the national competition stage to one of the world's largest skills competitions. Reflecting on her preparation, Heaman said her training has provided numerous opportunities to develop her abilities and that she has seen considerable progress since beginning her studies.

She expects the Shanghai competition to be both demanding and exciting, giving her an opportunity to demonstrate her development while competing against talented participants from around the world.

Mentorship Behind the Journey

Heaman will travel to Shanghai with Derek Ford, Creative CoLab Coordinator and Digital Art & Design instructor at Assiniboine College. Ford has worked with her as her trainer throughout her WorldSkills preparation.

Heaman credits Ford's guidance during her college programme and competition training with helping her establish the technical foundation needed for the international event. She said his support over the past year included providing training resources, working with her to strengthen her skills and helping her establish connections within the industry.

Ford has also been involved with Skills Canada for many years. His experience includes running Manitoba's provincial competition and serving on the organisation's National Technical Committee.

A Career Milestone for Ford

For Ford, accompanying Heaman to an international competition represents an important milestone after years of involvement with Skills Canada. He described international coaching as a significant achievement in his volunteering career and said the Canadian delegation is entering the competition focused and prepared.

He also highlighted the significance of Heaman being the only Canadian competitor in the 3D Digital Game Art category. Beyond his role as Heaman's trainer, Ford continues to lead Manitoba's provincial 3D Digital Game Art competition and remains a member of Skills Canada's National Technical Committee.

Assiniboine Celebrates Student Achievement

Assiniboine College President Mark Frison said Heaman's progression demonstrates how technical ability, determination and mentorship can combine to create opportunities for learners.

The college highlighted her journey from Digital Art & Design student to national champion and now Team Canada competitor as an example of the opportunities available through skills-based education. Frison also expressed the institution's support for Heaman and Ford as they represent both Canada and Assiniboine College in Shanghai.

WorldSkills 2026 Brings Global Skills Talent Together

The 48th WorldSkills Competition will feature young competitors from more than 70 countries and regions across dozens of skill areas. The event covers sectors including information and communication technology, manufacturing and engineering, creative arts and fashion, construction, transportation and logistics, and social and personal services.

3D Digital Game Art is part of the Creative Arts and Fashion sector. The discipline combines creativity, technology and geometry to produce digital assets and animated experiences for video games.

For Heaman, the competition offers an opportunity to apply her training in an international environment while meeting other young professionals working towards careers in creative technology.

Looking Beyond the Competition

While the competition itself is the immediate focus, Heaman is also looking forward to experiencing Shanghai, meeting new people and reconnecting with other members of the Team Canada delegation.

She sees the international event as another opportunity to explore the possibilities available within the 3D art industry. Her advice to future Skills Canada participants is to make full use of the opportunities that come with the experience, from international travel and industry exposure to building professional relationships and discovering potential career paths.

Editor's Note

Heaman's journey illustrates how specialised college programmes can provide a pathway from classroom learning to national and international skills competitions. Her progression from Digital Art & Design graduate to national champion and Team Canada competitor also reflects the growing intersection between creative disciplines and technology.

3D Digital Game Art sits at the intersection of design, computing and digital storytelling, making competitions such as WorldSkills an opportunity for students and graduates to demonstrate technical creativity in a global setting. Heaman's experience also highlights the role of sustained mentorship in helping emerging professionals develop their skills and navigate the transition from education into industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Brooke Heaman?

Brooke Heaman is an Assiniboine College graduate and Canadian competitor in 3D Digital Game Art at the 2026 WorldSkills Competition.

2. When did Heaman graduate from Assiniboine College?

She graduated from Assiniboine College's Digital Art & Design programme in 2025.

3. How did Heaman qualify for WorldSkills 2026?

She earned her place on Team Canada after winning gold in 3D Digital Game Art at the 2025 Skills Canada National Competition in Regina.

4. When is WorldSkills 2026 taking place?

The 48th WorldSkills Competition is scheduled for September 22 to 27, 2026, in Shanghai, China.

5. How many competitors are expected at WorldSkills 2026?

The event is expected to bring together approximately 1,400 competitors from more than 70 countries and regions.

6. What is 3D Digital Game Art?

3D Digital Game Art combines creative design, technology and geometry to create digital and animated experiences for video games.

7. Who is training Heaman for the competition?

Derek Ford, Creative CoLab Coordinator and Digital Art & Design instructor at Assiniboine College, has served as her trainer.