Harold Bergmann
My Skills Background
My occupation is two-fold: I’m a Cabinetmaker, and also an Instructor in Wood Trades at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). I’m passionate about designing and building beautiful projects as a Cabinetmaker and I’m energized by fostering those skills in a new generation! I’ve been a WorldSkills Expert in my Skill Area since 2020.
The Importance of Training
Training is crucial for WorldSkills Competitions. Mental preparation is important because the focus required at the WorldSkills Competition increases exponentially from the Skills Canada National Competition. Then there are the physical demands. Competitors need to build strength and stamina to perform at their peak during this four-day competition. I prepare a competitor by helping them develop their skills, then I create a practice training plan and execute it. We also ramp up training with several four-day mock competitions.
For me, the WorldSkills Competition is a success if the competitor feels prepared and can perform at their optimum. Ideally, success also includes making it to the podium or achieving the Medallion of Excellence. Whatever the result, the lessons and habits they’ve learned will stay with competitors for a lifetime.
I look forward to seeing the competitors perform at their best. I also enjoy collaborating with other Experts to ensure a well-run and fair competition.
The Value of the Skills for Success
I think it’s critical that competitors are able to use Problem Solving and Adaptability skills to adjust processes as required. I hope my competitor develops a sense of self-confidence and self-reliance, as well as a broader perspective on what connects us as human beings, regardless of our geographic location or ethnicity.
Why I Love Volunteering
Volunteering with Skills/Compétences Canada (SCC) allows me to promote a trade that I’m passionate about and to connect with like-minded people. I feel fortunate to give back and I appreciate the work that SCC does to make this possible.