In our first-ever joint episode, we’re joined by Laine Van Hardeveld and Taylor Desjardins, two standout Skills alumni whose paths crossed in the most inspiring way. Laine, a Mechatronics and Millwrights competitor and Skills Canada Alberta’s 2024 Alumni of the Year, and Taylor, a Cabinet Making competitor who went on to represent Canada at WorldSkills Russia, share how their friendship began and blossomed through the Skills competitions.

From competing at the 2018 Provincial Skills Canada Competition to cheering each other on at Nationals, Laine and Taylor walk us through their individual journeys, the highs and lows of competition, and how they built a lasting bond rooted in shared experiences, great conversations, and a mutual love for trades and skilled work.

Tune in to hear how two different trades brought together two incredible people—and how the Skills community continues to create unexpected and meaningful connections.