CBE Graduate Competes at WorldSkills in Shanghai

CBE Graduate Competes at WorldSkills in Shanghai

If you had told Cooper Ross three years ago that he would be representing the Calgary Board of Education (CBE) and Canada on the world stage, "I would've said that's ridiculous," said the recent graduate from Ernest Manning High School.

After encouragement from one of his teachers at Ernest Manning, Cooper began studying the Web Technologies skill through Career & Technology Studies programming and competing in Skills competitions. Success at the local, provincial and national levels ultimately earned him a spot on Team Canada at WorldSkills Shanghai, held in China from Sept. 17-27, 2026.

Securing a spot on Team Canada is no small feat. Just 31 competitors from across the country were selected to compete at the international event, which only takes place every two years.

Skills competitions bring together students and young professionals from a variety of trades and technology fields to demonstrate the real-world knowledge, technical abilities and problem-solving skills they develop through Career and Technology Studies (CTS) programs. In Web Technologies, competitors design and develop websites and web applications, applying coding, design and problem-solving skills to create functional digital products.

Once selected, Cooper spent more than a year preparing for the world's largest skills competition, including additional training in Germany. Reflecting on the experience, he described competing in Shanghai as surreal.

"Through all the competitions leading up to it, and especially WorldSkills itself, the best part was always the people," Cooper shared. "Getting to meet the other competitors was awesome, and it was cool to see how many different ways we tackled the same problems."

Cooper's commitment and work ethic stood out to those who supported his training.

"The number of competitors I have met operating at Cooper's level, I can count on one hand," said Matt Waggoner, Cooper's trainer. "It really comes down to how much time you spend studying, practicing and doing. In his spare time, he takes on projects that are more challenging than the scope of the competition itself. Cooper is clearly self-motivated and passionate about programming, and that's going to take him far." 

Support from teachers and mentors played a key role in Cooper's success.

"The only reason I stuck with my skill was because I was supported the entire way," Cooper shared. His teacher at Ernest Manning supported his decision to shift his focus from Design Studies to Web Technologies and volunteered class time to support his studies.

Looking back, Cooper has some words of encouragement for prospective Skills competitors:

"Pick a skill you actually enjoy. It sounds cliché, but the grind is so much easier when you like what you’re doing. When you genuinely care, you’ll be able to push through long practice hours, setbacks, and pressure. Focus on learning first, and then winning, because the skills you build will outlast the competition."

The skills Cooper developed through CTS and Skills competitions have indeed outlasted the competition and continue to shape his future. Since graduating from high school, Cooper has pursued post-secondary studies in Web Technologies and now works as a full-stack developer.

"I have a job as a Full-Stack developer now, which is something that would have never even crossed my mind a few years ago."

Congratulations Cooper, on this impressive achievement!

Learn more about Career & Technology Studies or Skills competitions.