The Skills Canada provincial competition held at the Tradex in Abbotsford on April 17 saw 11 students from the University of the Fraser Valley competing in various trades and technology categories. These students, comprised of seven secondary and four post-secondary individuals, made UFV Trades proud by winning seven medals, including three gold, three silver, and one bronze medal (see photos here). The gold medalists have also qualified for the Nationals in Winnipeg on May 25 and 26.
Allan Steidle, the interim Director of Trades, referred to the competition as “the Olympics for skilled trades” and acknowledged the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. The faculty involved in teaching, mentoring, coaching, and encouraging this year’s competitors played a crucial role in their success.
“Without the commitment and dedication of our students, staff, and faculty, these events would not be possible,” said Randy Kelley, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies.
The competition was an excellent platform for students to showcase their skills and expertise in a variety of trades and technology categories. It was a moment of pride for UFV Trades to have so many of their students place in the competition.
The medal results were as follows:
In the Architectural Drafting competition for secondary students, Carla Vergara of G.W. Graham took home the gold medal with Wes Macaulay as her coach/instructor.
In the Automotive Service competition for Post-Secondary students, Luke Wittenberg won the silver medal with Greg Wedel as his coach/instructor.
In the Automotive Service competition for secondary students, Wyatt Rempel of Abbotsford School of Integrated Arts Sumas won the gold medal with Greg Wedel as his coach/instructor. Lukas Thaler of Abbotsford Senior Secondary earned a silver medal with the same coach/instructor.
In the Electrical Wiring competition for secondary students, Gabriella Neufeld of Yale Secondary School earned the gold medal with Mike Dielman as her coach/instructor.
In the Plumbing competition for post-secondary students, Ashley Young took home the bronze medal with Rodney Smith as her coach/instructor. Ashley’s accomplishment in winning the bronze medal in the post-secondary Plumbing competition is truly remarkable, especially with only 1.5 points separating gold and bronze. This achievement marks a historic moment for the Plumbing competition within the Skills Canada event.
In the Welding competition for secondary students, Matthew Cooke of GW Graham earned a silver medal with Spenser Julseth-White as his coach/instructor.
Peter Geller, the Dean of the Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies, expressed his pride in all the students and apprentices who had the opportunity to compete and demonstrate their skills and expertise. He also thanked all of the faculty involved in teaching, mentoring, coaching, and encouraging this year’s competitors.
Skills Canada BC’s key goal is to promote the importance of skills and trades education to young people. By providing opportunities for students to learn and compete in skilled trades and technology categories, the organization hopes to encourage more young people to pursue these career paths. The success of the UFV Trades students in this competition is a shining example of the importance of skilled trades and technology education, Geller noted.
The exceptional performance of 11 students from UFV Trades, who participated in the Skills Canada Provincial Competition, cannot be overstated. These students, comprising seven secondary and four post-secondary individuals, achieved an impressive haul of seven medals, which highlights the importance of skilled trades and technology education. The success of these students, and the dedication demonstrated by both the students and the faculty, is a testament to the significance of skilled trades education. As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming nationals in Winnipeg, we are confident that these gold medalists will excel once again. We look forward to seeing UFV Trades continue to thrive and produce future champions.
For more information, contact Tommy Green at Tommy.Green@ufv.ca
05/12/2023