Students shine at Provincial Skills Canada competition

Near North District School Board
News Release

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Nine students from all across the Near North District School Board are scheduled to compete in the Ontario Technological Competition, taking place from May 5 to 7, 2008, at the RIM Park in Waterloo, Ontario.

This event is the provincial level competition for Skills Canada, a not-for-profit organization committed to promoting a higher level of interest in the skilled trades. The three-day competition attracts 1,500 competitors and over 20,000 spectators from all across the province and will showcase over 50 contests within the skilled trades sector. It is an opportunity for elementary, secondary, and post-secondary students to gain interest and recognition for their ability in a skilled trade.

The provincial level competition is the next step for competitors from regional and qualifying levels, and will give students more of an opportunity for challenge within their skill set and networking with partners from industry, labour, education, and government.

Competitors from The Near North District School Board region will test their skills in several events which include Carpentry, Restaurant Service, and Television and Video Production.

In order to proceed to the provincial competition, some students first had to compete in a regional competition at Canadore College on April 12, 2008. Linsey Callaghan and Jordan Presseault, Grade 12 students from Widdifield Secondary School walked away with the top prize in television and video production and are looking forward to highlighting their talents to a bigger audience.

“Being a part of the Specialist High Skills Major Program has provided me with an incredible opportunity to represent my school and region at this competition and I am really looking forward to the experience,” Linsey said.

The goals of involving Near North District School Board students with this challenging competition is to recognize and promote the skilled trades sector and the students that actively participate in these demanding, fast-paced fields.

“This competition is a chance to showcase the skills and abilities of students studying in Skilled Trades areas. The interest in these occupations is growing rapidly in the Near North District School Board and we continue to expand our programs in an effort to meet local industry needs,” said OYAP co-coordinator Dez Collins.

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