Written by Saskatchewan Polytechnic

“As long as dedication is there, it can take you anywhere. I have so much passion and dedication for welding and rodeo,” says Arianna Dyck, who was crowned the first Miss Rodeo Agribition in November. Currently studying welding at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Moose Jaw campus for her level one technical training, Dyck is taking apprenticeship training through an agreement with her employer and the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission. “When I’m not training at Sask Polytech, I’m out in the field working and getting experience,” Dyck explains. Ready to add Miss Rodeo Agribition duties to her schedule, the new official brand ambassador of the Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) says she’s received great support from her peers and instructors at Sask Polytech. “With the title I currently have of Miss Rodeo Agribition, I want to show people to follow their heart and do what they want to do because in the end, they will live a more fulfilling life,” she notes.

As part of the competition, Dyck had to do rodeo challenges, present a speech and complete an interview. Highlighting life in a skilled trade where women are underrepresented was a key element in her platform. “I talked about women in the trades because it’s a topic that’s important to me. For me, it means a lot being a minority in such a male dominated industry. With my journey in welding, I want to show women that we can do it just the same as anybody else. No matter who you are, you can do anything,” she says. Her interview also stood out to the panel of judges, recalls Shaun Kindopp, CWA CEO. “Arianna’s interview was fantastic. By the end of it, people wanted to jump up on the table. She’s a great speaker and a wonderful first Miss Rodeo Agribition,” he explains, noting she was among three finalists vying for the crown.

Dyck’s passion for rodeo and barrel racing flourished in high school, which is also when she discovered welding. As she explored her post-secondary options, she knew Sask Polytech was the right fit to achieve her career goals. “Sask Polytech has resources like short course options. I had the opportunity to try Metalworking Madness,” she says. The Continuing Education course geared to underrepresented groups including females, Indigenous people, newcomers, people with disabilities and youth enabled Dyck to further solidify her career choice. “It was very insightful and helped guide me towards being a welder.” For the next year, Dyck will travel to various communities and schools to represent the CWA as Miss Rodeo Agribition. With her future as bright as welding sparks, Dyck plans on advancing her career and continuing to be a competitor in rodeos. In three years, she sees herself as having completed the welder journeyperson certification and continuing to be a voice for women in the field. “Trades are an awesome place to work. I want to be an advocate for women in trades, and I want to keep pursuing my love of barrel racing and improve my horsemanship.”

Learn more at saskpolytech.ca.