Back to School with the Ideal National Championship: Qualifying Round Extended

August 29, 2018

Ideal has extended the 2018 National Championship qualifying round to October 19. The “Nationals” has been extremely popular across Canada, and with this extension Ideal will be better able to meet the demand to hold qualifying events, particularly from colleges and trade schools. (Shown in photo: students at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC step up to the challenge in the 2018 Ideal National Championship qualifying round.)

Described by many as “the most thrilling competition in the electrical industry,” the Nationals can also be a valuable teaching tool for aspiring electricians. Competitors complete a wiring challenge using Ideal tools while racing against the clock. Greg Otte, an instructor at The Centre for Skills Development and Training in Burlington, Ontario, notes that “as a learning tool I was able to relate the break-neck speed and the organization that was required to successfully get a decent time to a more normal ‘productive’ speed… implying that there is a happy medium.”

To date, Ideal has held an astounding 175 National Championship qualifying events across Canada — at schools, union halls, distributor branches, and directly with contactors. The events have been well received by professionals and students alike. “Our students still talk about how challenging and fun it was,” says Otte.

At the end of the qualifying round, Canada’s fastest competitors will be invited to The Championship Weekend in Orlando, including up to five electrical students/apprentices. There, they will put their skills to the test in four rounds of intense competition, vying for the top student prize of US$30,000. Ideal will also donate US$5,000 in IDEALcash to the winner’s trade school.

If you are an educator interested in scheduling a Nationals qualifying event at your school, contact Ideal’s Marketing Manager, Erin Hawley erin.hawley@idealindustries.com  

For more information on the IDEAL National Championship, visit www.idealnationals.com

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • IDEAL Electrical Partners with Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area to Support Affordable Housing Initiatives

    IDEAL Electrical Partners with Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area to Support Affordable Housing Initiatives

    August 17, 2026 Earlier this month, approximately 30 IDEAL Electrical employees and skilled electricians volunteered alongside Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to help construct Countryside, an affordable 15-unit townhome development in Brampton that will welcome families later this year. Volunteers assisted with electrical wiring and rough-in installation and provide general construction support, helping… Read More…

  • Hubbell Canada Forms Strategic Alliance with Mac’s II Agencies to Strengthen Harsh & Hazardous Market Presence in British Columbia

    Hubbell Canada Forms Strategic Alliance with Mac’s II Agencies to Strengthen Harsh & Hazardous Market Presence in British Columbia

    August 17, 2026 Hubbell Canada is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with Mac’s II Agencies, effective August 1, 2026, to represent Hubbell Canada’s Harsh & Hazardous portfolio throughout British Columbia. This newly formed alliance further strengthens Hubbell Canada’s commitment to serving customers operating in some of the most demanding industrial environments, while supporting… Read More…

  • AEA Scholarships and Bursaries Apply by August 31st

    AEA Scholarships and Bursaries Apply by August 31st

    August 17, 2026 The Alberta Electrical Alliance is proud to support our industry with over $320,500 of postsecondary scholarships for current members and their children. Your participation in AEA events helps fund AEA scholarships and build our industry’s future. AEA Sponsored Scholarships Open to employees, dependents, and children of parents who are members of the… Read More…

  • Contractors’ Corner at the 2026 NETCO Conference

    Contractors’ Corner at the 2026 NETCO Conference

    August 17, 2026 ECAO and CECA look forward to joining industry leaders at the NETCO – National Electrical Trade Council 2026 Conference for an important conversation on AI and its growing role in electrical contracting. R. Graeme Aitken, Executive Director of ECAO, Terry Milot, President of the Canadian Electrical Contractors Association, and Témoc Vega, PhD,… Read More…