M’CHIGEENG—Manitoulin Secondary School students are shining in technology fields along with the best in the province. Five students will be advancing to the provincial finals in Toronto in May.
Nine Manitoulin Secondary School students attended the Rainbow District School Board (RDSB) Regional Skills Competition that took place on March 8 at Cambrian College in Sudbury. Nathanel Wood entered the welding category, Bryce Mastelko entered the cabinet making category, Jackie Cooper, Grace Duncanson and Kendra Jordison entered the 2D animation category, William Lindner and Caleb Byers entered the team of two carpentry category, Greg Doane entered the auto service category and Jonah Kennedy entered the small engines category.
In the March 8 competition at Cambrian College in Sudbury, Jackie Cooper won first place in 2D animation and the two-person team of William Lindner and Caleb Byers won first place in carpentry. Grace Duncanson and Kendra Jordison won second place in 2D animation and Bryce Mastelko won the Safety Award and second place in cabinet making. Will and Caleb will be moving onto the May 1 to 3 provincial competitions in Toronto along with Jackie and Grace. Trevor Bailey will also be going to the provincials in the new category of Coding.
The Skills Ontario Competition is Canada’s largest skilled trade and technology competition and offers a unique opportunity for top students to demonstrate that they are the best of the best in their fields. Winners of the competition are awarded with gold, silver or bronze medals, along with monetary awards and gain the opportunity to compete at the Skills Canada National Competition at the Toronto Congress Centre June 4 to 7.
“The competition used to be held at Waterloo’s RIM (Park, Sportsplex and Healthy Living Centre) but it has outgrown that venue,” said technology teacher Stephen Robinson. The competition has attracted strong corporate sponsorship, no doubt due to the vital role that technology skilled trades play in the health of the economy.
Students already know a lot about the projects they will be completing in their “scopes” as part of the competition, but they will be engaged at the competitions from start to finish.
As part of the competition, secondary and post-secondary level competitors are required to take part in a five-minute job interview as well as handing in a resume as part of their contests. Corporate head hunters may well be taking note. The ‘purpose of the contest’ note under the 2D animation speaks volumes: “The main purpose of the competition is to provide the competitors with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skill of character animation as they prepare for employment in the animation field.” This isn’t just fun and games.
Competitors are encouraged to invite spectators to attend the competition. While it is free to attend the Skills Ontario Competition, there is a $10 fee for attending the closing ceremonies.
Should they prove successful at the nationals in June, members of the MSS teams could be headed to the WorldSkills Competition in Abu Dhabi in October 2017.
