Students enrolled in Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) welding, industrial mechanic/millwright and plumbing programs dominated the annual Provincial Skills Competition in Abbotsford last month.
KPU welding student Nathaniel Printis received a gold medal and will represent KPU and the province next week at the nationals.
Printis started as an ACE-IT high school student, completing his Level C welding at Kwantlen. He got his first welding job in a sheet metal shop and has since gained experience from structural to bio medical welding while completing his “B” and “A” level tickets at KPU.
“I’m practicing my skills to ensure I’m well prepared to compete at the Nationals. I’m excited with the opportunity to represent Kwantlen, and want to thank my instructors for all their support,” he said.
Silver and bronze medals in Industrial Mechanic/Millwright were awarded to KPU students Derek Layton (third year) and Chris Bonneville (second year) respectively at Skills BC. Although not a medal winner, KPU student Cameron Archer came in fourth.
Mason Hill, a 17 year-old ACE-IT student received a silver medal in plumbing and was the only high school student in the plumbing event, competing against post-secondary competitors already working in industry.
Skills competitions provide opportunities for Canadian youth studying a skilled trade or technology to be tested within exacting standards and against their peers from across the nation.
A number of interactive hands-on activities will be available at the national competitions, encouraging students to get engaged and excited about a future in skilled trades or technology.
Started in 1994, the Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) remains the only national, Olympic-style, multi-trade and technology competition for young students and apprentices in the country.
As an educational sponsor and partner, Kwantlen in involved in the 19th-annual Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC), Canada’s largest national trade and technology challenge.
More than 500 competitors will compete in over 40 events at BC Place Stadium from June 5-8. The event will determine those members selected to represent Team Canada for the World Skills Competition in Leipzig, Germany in July.
For more information, visit www.kwantlen.ca/trades
