Young Talent Shines in the Trades: Hampton Resident Sets Sights on World Skills Competition

man standing in welding shop smiling at camera

A new wave of young talent is making its mark in skilled trades.

Josh Richard is a 20-year-old welder that was first exposed to the craft in high school classes and has since taken his talents to the national stage with Skills Canada competitions.  

But Josh’s welding career began somewhat by chance.

“I didn’t even know what welding was for the longest time,” Josh admits with a laugh.

During his time at Hampton High School, he was looking for an elective to fill his schedule. A teacher, whose class he enjoyed, suggested welding. Encouraged by the idea and inspired by family history in the trades, Josh decided to give it a shot.

With a carpenter mother, an insulator father, and a crane operator grandfather, Josh grew up hearing stories about the trades - but he wanted to build his own path.

“I wanted to do something different from what they had done,” he shared.

After graduating, Josh explored the industry further, taking a private six-month welding course at Ready Arc Training and Testing. From there, he joined the Pipefitters Union, embarking on his career in the trades.

“Every day brings a new challenge, and that’s my favorite part,” he said.

During his time at Hampton High, Josh had been exposed to Skills Canada – but he never actually took the chance in competing at that level. It wasn’t until he realized there were competitions for post-secondary that he saw an opportunity to redeem himself. Josh ended up winning gold at the provincial level, which fueled his determination to keep improving.

He advanced to the national stage in Quebec in 2024 and competed just weeks after a major knee surgery. He faced setbacks but refused to let them define him.

“I had to relearn how to weld in certain ways,” he recalls. Despite the challenges, the camaraderie among competitors stood out. “Everyone was so supportive, sharing tips and encouraging each other. It was incredible.”

Although he didn’t place at the national level in Quebec, the experience motivated Josh to push further. Representing Eastern Canada in a union national competition in Halifax was another milestone, showcasing his growing expertise.

Looking ahead, Josh has his sights set on even bigger goals. This spring, he will compete at the provincial level again, hoping to advance to nationals in Regina. If successful, he’ll secure a spot on Team Canada for the 2026 WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai.

Josh’s journey highlights the endless opportunities in the trades and the importance of organizations like Skills Canada in nurturing young talent. He’s a firm believer in the value of these programs, not only for improving technical skills but also for fostering connections and building confidence.

For those considering a career in the trades, Josh offers simple but powerful advice.

“Give it a try. You never know where it might take you.”

A career in the trades offers a chance to create, innovate, and leave a tangible impact in your community.

Whether you’re a student exploring options or someone looking for a career change, the trades offer a rewarding and dynamic path – maybe even representing Canada on the world stage.

To learn more about Skills Canada New Brunswick, click here. Envision Saint John: The Regional Growth Agency partners with Skills Canada to invest in the talent of our future – ensuring the next generation can experience the trades as a career path. In 2025 Skills Canada will be in the Saint John Region for provincial competitions.

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