43 New National Champions Crowned in Skills Canada Competition

July 14, 2017

Last month 550 of the most talented students and apprentices from across the country were tried, tested and judged while competing in the Skills Canada National Competition 2017 in Winnipeg.

Over 200 medals were awarded to the top industry champions in six skilled trade or technology sectors, including: transportation, construction, manufacturing, information and technology, service and employment. The competitors were evaluated based on strict industry standards. A list of medalists is available on the Skills Canada website.

“It is an amazing feeling to be crowned national champion in CNC Machining,” says Dallas Duncombe from Winnipeg. “I am so proud to be part of the 2017 Skills Canada National Competition, and I hope that many more young Canadians will get a chance to explore the exciting career options that exist in the skilled trades and technology sectors. There are so many possibilities.”

“It was an unbelievable and unforgettable experience at this years Skills Canada National Competition in Winnipeg, knowing I did my best but not knowing how I finished compared to the other competitors,” says Zach Walsh, a gold medal winner in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning from Nova Scotia. “The feeling of winning a Gold Medal was surreal and something I will remember for the rest of my life.”

During SNC, several industry celebrities attended and participated in various Try-A-Trade and Technology activities alongside approximately 10,000 visiting students from the Manitoba region – the highest attendance to date. 

Additionally, 31 members of WorldSkills Team Canada 2017 were in attendance as part of their training for the upcoming 44th WorldSkills Competition, which will be held in Abu Dhabi, U.A.E., from October 14 to 19, 2017. This four-day WorldSkills Competition is the biggest of its kind in the world and considered the pinnacle of excellence in skilled trades and technology training.

The 2018 Skills Canada National Competition will be held Edmonton, Alberta, June 3 to 6.

Skills/Compétences Canada is a national, not-for-profit organization that works with employers, educators, labour groups and governments to promote skilled trades and technology careers among Canadian youth.

Photo courtesy of Skills/Compétences Canada.