Canada

These Sask. mechanics are heading to Sweden for a global competition

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A Regina team is heading to the Volvo world finals after proving its skills under pressure in a global technician competition. Erika Madarash has more.

A team of technicians from Regina are headed to Sweden to show off their skills in the trucking industry.

For service technicians, diagnosing a problem is about the tools – it’s about operating with precision under pressure.

That pressure is exactly what teams face in the Volvo international service training awards. A global competition that tests the best of the best in their trade.

" I would say it’s pretty stressful," Adam Signouin, a leadhand with the Sterling Company told CTV News. “I mean, the semifinals, everything was timed. Like I say, it was pretty new information to us and making one mistake can make a big difference.”

The team representing Regina, known as Adaptive Crews from Sterling Truck & Trailer Sales, earned their spot in the world championship after a strong performance in the semi-finals.

Competing against top technicians, the team faced tight time limits and high stakes scenarios.

“You need to manage your time properly,” workshop foreman Stephen Smith explained. “Try not to panic. Look at the answers, take some time and make sure we’re going in the right direction. Because if you go in the wrong direction and you panic like the time goes quickly.”

The competition demands more than technical knowledge as it tests mental discipline as well.

From troubleshooting advanced systems, to working efficiently under pressure – every second counts.

“[I’m] very proud of these guys,” said Shawn Hornoi, the president of Sterling Truck and Trailer Services. “They work very hard for us. This is a national competition. So, to be there representing North America with only three other teams is very big.”

As the team gets ready to compete, their goal is simple: stay sharp, stay focused, and work together.

Adaptive Crews will represent Canada in the VISTA 2026 World Finals in Gothenburg, Sweden on Sept. 7.