It was the best of the best competing in their trade, and Salmon Arm’s Curtis Thomson proved to be the best in refrigeration, winning gold at the Canadian Skills Competition held in Quebec City June 1 to 4.
“It was quite a shock and it wasn’t expected. The competition was pretty stiff,” said Thomson, who competed against eight other competitors representing their province. “It feels good to have done that well. For me the biggest thing is how much I learned from it. I got to do things I have never really done before. The skills in my trade increased.”
Thomson said the two-day competition was “nerve-racking” because competitors weren’t told what tasks they would be completing beforehand, just what tools would be needed.
“Basically they said be good at your job,” laughed Thomson, who was happy to have the opportunity to visit Canada’s oldest city for the first time.
But often he was in his room studying when he wasn’t competing.
“I tend to over-think things a little bit, so instead of going out I was in my room getting ready and reading up. There was a lot of praying going on.”
A memorable moment occurred at the opening ceremony when Thomson high fived professional contractor Mike Holmes from HGTV Canada’s Holmes Inspection.
But what he really valued was the educational experience.
“It motivates you to learn, brush-up on things and I got some training I wouldn’t have otherwise,” said Thomson, who is attending the Joint Apprenticeship Refrigeration Training School in Surrey where he’s taking his third year of schooling.
