Assiniboine grad headed to Shanghai to represent on the world stage

Assiniboine College graduate, Brooke Heaman, is preparing to compete as Canada's representative in 3D Game Art at the 48^th WorldSkills competition in Shanghai, China this month. The international event, happening from September 22 to 27, will bring together around 1,400 competitors from more than 70 countries and regions to showcase excellence across a wide range of skilled trades and technology disciplines. WorldSkills is widely recognized as the global benchmark for skills excellence.

Heaman, who graduated from Assiniboine's Digital Art & Design program in 2025, earned her spot on Team Canada for WorldSkills 2026 after capturing a gold medal in 3D Digital Game Art at the 2025 Skills Canada National Competition in Regina.

"I've had a lot of amazing opportunities during my time training, and I've seen significant improvement in my skills compared to when I first started," said Heaman. "I'm expecting an intense yet exciting opportunity to showcase how far I've come and test myself with the many other talented competitors in my category."

Traveling to Shanghai alongside Heaman will be Derek Ford, Creative CoLab Coordinator and Digital Art & Design instructor at Assiniboine, who has served as her trainer through all or her competition preparation. Heaman credits Ford's mentorship and instruction throughout the Digital Art & Design program in helping build the strong foundation that has supported her success.

"Derek has been a great help during my training over the last year, providing resources and materials I needed and collaborating with me to advance my skill set, while also helping me connect with others in the industry," said Heaman.

For Ford, it has been a career defining achievement watching Heaman hone her skills and grow into an industry leader.

"Having volunteered with Skills Canada for many years, including running the provincial contest and serving on the National Technical Committee, coaching on the international stage feels like a pinnacle achievement of those years of volunteering," he said. "We're going in focused, prepared, and proud to know that the sole competitor representing all of Canada in our field comes straight out of Assiniboine College."

Ford, who continues to lead Manitoba's provincial 3D Digital Game Art competition and serves on the National Technical Committee for Skills Canada's national competition, says Heaman's achievement represents a career milestone.

"At Assiniboine, we are committed to helping learners build the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their chosen fields.” said Mark Frison, President of Assiniboine College. “Brooke's progression from student to national champion and now Team Canada competitor demonstrates what is possible when talent, hard work and mentorship come together, and we are proud to celebrate her success and cheer her and Derek Ford on as they represents both Canada and Assiniboine on the international stage."

As she looks ahead to Shanghai, Heaman is eager for both the competition and the experience.

"I'm excited to see the city, meet new people, reconnect with my team, and continue exploring where a career in 3D art can take me. For future Skills participants, I'd encourage them to take every opportunity that comes from the experience. It's a great chance to explore the world, discover your place in the industry, and build valuable connections."