Welcome to another episode of the Team Canada Podcast Series!

In this episode, we sit down with Team Canada competitor Anika Jones, who will be representing Canada in Car Painting at WorldSkills Shanghai 2026.

Anika’s path started at NAIT, where her passion for creativity and her love of cars came together in the world of automotive refinishing. Drawn to the blend of artistry, precision, and technical skill, Anika found her place in Car Painting—an environment where her creative instincts could shine.

Anika competed twice at the Skills Canada Alberta Provincial Competition, earning first place on her second attempt, which propelled her to Nationals. Her continued growth, discipline, and commitment to mastering her craft ultimately earned her a coveted spot on Team Canada.

Joined by her WorldSkills Canada Expert and Trainer, Car Painting alumna Cecile Bukmeier, Anika is now deepening her technique, elevating her finish quality, and preparing for the incredible challenge ahead as she trains for the world stage.

This is only the beginning of Anika’s story—we’ll be catching up with her again after the competition to hear all about her experience in the fall of 2026. Stay tuned as we continue to share the inspiring paths of Alberta’s 12 Team Canada competitors.