More than 500 skilled trades and technology competitors from across the country gathered in Regina May 29–30 for the Skills Canada National Competition—including Carman’s own Javan Neufeld of Kozak Plumbing and Heating Ltd.
Neufeld, 22, has been working with the Carman-based company since the summer of 2017. He was just 15 when he started learning the trade, following in his father’s footsteps as a plumber.
Earlier this year, Neufeld won gold in the Manitoba Skills Competition, hosted at RRC Polytechnic. His six-hour project tested his abilities in multiple techniques, including PVC pipe connections, threaded pipe, soldering and press fittings—all requiring precise measurements accurate to the millimetre.
That win earned him a spot on Team Manitoba, representing the province in the plumbing category at the national event. The high-pressure, two-day competition challenged participants with a rigorous hands-on project that simulated real-world plumbing installation scenarios, including interpreting blueprints and completing detailed pipe layouts to national code standards—all under the scrutiny of expert judges.
“I was a little nervous for the competition—I was in a different city, far from home,” said Neufeld. “None of my family or friends were able to come as we took a bus to Regina and there wasn’t room. I shared a hotel room with a roommate I had never met before, so I was definitely out of my comfort zone.”
Despite the nerves, Neufeld said his eight years of on-the-job experience and the backing of his employer gave him the confidence to compete on the national stage.
“As a business, we are extremely proud of Javan for competing and how well he did,” said Chelsea Kozak of Kozak Plumbing and Heating. “It’s pretty cool to say we had an employee represent Manitoba nationally. We’d be more than happy to support any future employees with the opportunity to compete.”
Neufeld ultimately placed fourth in Canada out of eight competitors in the plumbing category. Though he didn’t reach the podium, he says the experience was invaluable.
“I definitely improved my speed and precision, and just being in that environment with so many other skilled tradespeople was inspiring,” he said. “I also made some lifelong friends and learned a lot about how I handle pressure. I’d recommend it to anyone who gets the chance.”
Neufeld said the event also opened his eyes to how important and respected trades are across Canada.
Skills Canada is the only national competition for skilled trades and technologies open to secondary and post-secondary students and apprentices. Each year, the event showcases more than 40 trades, including aerospace technology, computer animation, hairstyling, public speaking, baking and plumbing.
This year’s event kicked off with an opening ceremony at Regina’s Brandt Centre on May 28, drawing about 1,800 spectators. Over the next two days, competitions and skill demonstrations took place at AffinityPlex and the Viterra International Trade Centre. The top competitors will have the chance to represent Canada at WorldSkills Shanghai in 2026.
Neufeld is now setting his sights on competing again in 2026, with the next Skills Canada Nationals scheduled to be held in Toronto.
“I’d love another shot at nationals. I know what to expect now, and I think I can do even better next time,” he said. “I will have to win the provincial event again but I will try my best!”
