Pixel perfect: Sask Polytechnic Graphic Communications student trains for international competition

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"I love graphic design because it is an outlet to express yourself while also helping people create visions they may not be able to see.”

Clyde Abanid, a student in the Graphic Communications diploma program at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Regina campus, has had an incredible experience so far with his studies.

This past year, Abanid received silver at the Skills Canada Saskatchewan provincial competition and gold at the Skills Canada national competition. He will soon start training to attend the WorldSkills competition in France next year.

Abanid is originally from the Philippines and moved to Canada when he was eight. He has been living in Regina for 12 years. After high school, he was unsure what he wanted to study.

Abanid said he’d always had an interest in graphic design, so working in that field appealed to him.

“I researched graphic design programs in Saskatchewan and came across the diploma at Sask Polytech,” he said. “One of the main reasons why I chose Sask Polytech was to experience a more hands-on approach and connect with my classmates. I love graphic design because it is an outlet to express yourself while also helping people create visions they may not be able to see themselves.”

Instructors Cody Peterson and Kyla Henry introduced Abanid to the Skills Canada competitions. He thought it would be a great way to improve his work and obtain some great experience in the industry, he said.

Abanid recently completed his first year of studies. This fall he will continue and start training for WorldSkills, including travelling to international practice competitions and the WorldSkills France national competition, to gain valuable competition experience in preparation for WorldSkills 2024.

“We will search out as many practice competitions as possible to continue Clyde’s development,” Peterson said.

“He is competing in a virtual skills competition as a part of Australia’s national competition in August. We will also work on advanced graphic design skills development and his mental strength and resilience. The competitions are quite intense, so psychological and emotional health are critical when you are in an unfamiliar situation.”

With the pressure of the upcoming school year and training for international competitions, Abanid plans to focus on his mental game and gain as much experience as possible.

Skills Canada is a challenging experience for students because competitors are required to complete tasks at a much faster pace than they are used to. The competition forces competitors to make good design decisions while executing technical requirements to the highest standards.

Abanid said he looks forward to travelling to France and meeting some of his fellow competitors in 2023 and 2024. He’s confident that with the mentorship he has in place he will be able to perform his best at the national competition next year, he said.

“I’d like to send a special shout-out to my instructors Kyla and Cody. They have pushed me throughout my studies and skills competitions. Without them, I don’t think any of this would have been possible. I also encourage other students to compete in Skills Canada competitions. The experience will help you better understand technical skills and improve your workflow, which I really think will help in the workforce.”

Skills Canada Saskatchewan‘s executive director, Jayden Leister, said he’s excited for Abanid in his journey. As a former WorldSkills competitor himself, he knows it’s a fulfilling process helping others like Clyde receive similar opportunities, he said.

“From my own experience, I know that this will be a life-changing year for Clyde, as he trains and gets the opportunity to compete on an international level. These opportunities through Skills Competences Canada and WorldSkills provide so much growth and personal development that it is giving him the advantage in his skills before hitting the workforce.”

After graduation, Abanid plans to seek a job in the industry and grow his knowledge even more.

Learn more about the Graphic Communications diploma certificate program.

Congrats to all the Skills Canada national competition Sask Polytech winners!

Written by Rees Kachmarski, Sask Polytech student.