IDEAL Canada Wraps up Eighth Season of Battle of the Schools

This year, IDEAL Canada is celebrating 60 years of manufacturing in Canada. In the spirit of celebration, the company has given apprentices across the country another chance to show off their talents and celebrate their skills as burgeoning electricians with the Battle of the Schools.

IDEAL awarded over $25,000 in cash in prizes to apprentices and Canadian trade schools, in their continued support of the electrical industry’s next generation. In addition to the Battle of the Schools, held under the theme of “Wiring Better Futures”, IDEAL is also a big supporter of the Tools in the Trades Bootcamp, which offers young people an avenue into the trades by providing training, tools, and networking opportunities.

2023 marked the eighth season of its “highly charged” Battle of the Schools competition open to all electrical apprentices. The event took place this year between March 20th and October 27th, with over 50 events held at Canadian trade schools, IBEW and EJTC Training Centres. The competition centres around a wiring board that apprentices must complete successfully with the fastest time.

Over 600 student apprentices competed in the challenge this year, resulting in six regional winners including a National IBEW Champion and a National Trade School Champion.

Nathan Chapman from Medicine Hat College (AB)
IDEAL Canada Wraps up Eighth Season of Battle of the Schools
Nathan Chapman, Medicine Hat College (BC)

Daniel Ford of EJTC IBEW 213 (BC) took home the National IBEW title and Nathan Chapman from Medicine Hat College (AB) took home the Trade School title.

They were each awarded $2,000 in scholarships and a custom IDEAL Muskoka chair. Each of the regional winners were awarded $1,000 in scholarships and a custom IDEAL Muskoka chair. On top of that, the schools of the respective winners each received over $2,500 worth of IDEAL tools and supplies.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Daniel FordElectrical Joint Training Committee, IBEW 213BC
Nathan ChapmanMedicine Hat CollegeAB
Derek LamyAssiniboine Community CollegeMB/SK
Biagio IannantuonoIBEW 804 BreslauON
Lorenzo LosciutoAvironQC
Arezki TakherbouchtCCNB DieppeAtlantic

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Winnipeg Information Bulletin: Low-Risk Voice, Data, Video & Security System Installations

    Winnipeg Information Bulletin: Low-Risk Voice, Data, Video & Security System Installations

    September 17, 2026 Certain types of installations may qualify for a low-risk voice, data, video (VDV) and security system electrical permit. For information related to regular VDV/security system installations, see winnipeg.ca/vdvsystems. Applications must be submitted through Permits Online. Electrical permits and inspections are needed for certain installations of security and similar alarm systems. This makes… Read More…

  • What Type of Outdoor Light Do I Need for My Application?

    What Type of Outdoor Light Do I Need for My Application?

    September 17, 2026 By Stanpro The right outdoor light starts with the space you need to illuminate and how that space is used. For commercial projects, parking lots and large exterior areas point toward area lights; entrances and building perimeters toward wall-mounted or security lighting; signs, facades and targeted areas toward flood lights; pathways toward… Read More…

  • Alberta Employers and Tradespeople Share their Perspectives

    Alberta Employers and Tradespeople Share their Perspectives

    September 16, 2026 In Alberta’s skilled trades labour market employers and tradespeople are facing growing pressure from tariffs, rising costs, hiring challenges and labour mobility barriers. CAF-FCA’s new report, Hiring, Mobility and Needed Supports: Alberta Employers and Tradespeople Share Their Perspectives, takes a closer look at what’s happening on the ground. Based on surveys of… Read More…

  • Goal Zero YETI 3000X Power Stations Recalled due to Fire and Burn Hazards

    Goal Zero YETI 3000X Power Stations Recalled due to Fire and Burn Hazards

    September 16, 2026 This recall involves Goal Zero YETI 3000X power stations. The silver and black portable power stations measure about 62 centimetres (24.4 inches) high, 47 centimetres (18.5 inches) wide, 57 centimetres (22.3 inches) deep and weigh approximately 42 kilograms (92 pounds). The power stations have yellow handles and a digital display at the… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • LEDVANCE Canada Marks 10 Years of Innovation and Growth and Looks Ahead to Its Next Chapter in the Canadian Market

    LEDVANCE Canada Marks 10 Years of Innovation and Growth and Looks Ahead to Its Next Chapter in the Canadian Market

    September 25, 2026 From legacy lighting leader to solutions partner, LEDVANCE is entering its next decade with a clear focus on Canadian customers, communities, and market needs LEDVANCE Canada is marking the 10th anniversary of LEDVANCE as an independent brand by celebrating a decade of growth, customer partnerships, and continued investment in solutions designed around… Read More…

  • EFC Welcomes Patrick McManus as Incoming President & CEO

    EFC Welcomes Patrick McManus as Incoming President & CEO

    September 25, 2026 Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick McManus as President & CEO, effective October 13, 2026. McManus will succeed Carol McGlogan, who is retiring following 10 years with EFC. McGlogan will remain with the organization through the end of 2026 to support a smooth leadership transition. McManus is… Read More…

  • Innovair Solutions Acquires TRM Heating Cables

    Innovair Solutions Acquires TRM Heating Cables

    September 18, 2026 Innovair Solutions has announced the acquisition of TRM Heating Cables, a Toronto-based Canadian company specializing in heating cables for commercial and industrial applications. Founded in 2001, TRM has built strong technical expertise in the sale and installation of specialized products, including self-regulating cables, mineral-insulated cables and electric floor heating systems. The company… Read More…

  • Electrical Safety Authority Honours Leaders Helping Build a Safer, More Electrified Future

    Electrical Safety Authority Honours Leaders Helping Build a Safer, More Electrified Future

    September 17, 2026 From preparing the next generation of skilled workers to supporting one of the world’s largest sporting events, this year’s recipients demonstrate how electrical safety supports Ontario’s future As Ontario electrifies homes, transportation and industry, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) has recognized the organizations and individuals helping ensure safety keeps pace with that… Read More…