LETHBRIDGE – The competition was fierce at the 15th annual South West Regional Skills Canada Competition. More than 70 high school students from across southern Alberta were at Lethbridge College to put their skills to the test.
Students were competing in 11 different skills sets, including welding, photography, culinary arts, hairstyling and carpentry. Organizers said the competition allows students to highlight what they are good at, while also encouraging them to pursue a career in trades and technologies.
“It’s an opportunity for kids to be really recognized for those skills when a lot of schools focus on academics and sports…which are great…but this gives another avenue for kids to really shine,” executive director for Career Transitions Judy Stolk-Ingram said.
Many of the students who participated in the competition learned their skills at high schools that have been participating in the competition over the years. For others, this was their first experience in a professional setting, like a commercial kitchen.
Local businesses owners got in on the competition as judges, as well, many of whom have hired students from the competition after witnessing their skills firsthand.
“It’s an amazing way to see who is up and coming as high school students, who’s going to need a part-time job, maybe enter the workforce,” manager of Crazy Cakes Roberta Clemis said.
“I myself have hired students that I have judged at skills, and it looks great on your resume because you’re going above and beyond what you have to do in school.”
Medalists from Wednesday’s competition will move on to provincials in Edmonton on May 11 and 12, where they will also have the possibility to move on to the Skills Canada National Competition in Moncton, N.B. from June 5 to 8.
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