For the second year in a row, three Kwantlen Polytechnic University fashion students swept the medals at the 2011 B.C. Skills Canada Competition in Abbotsford.
Competing on the post-secondary level in the fashion technology category, Kwantlen fashion and technology student Joanne Hu took home the gold medal while her peers Betty Zhao and Courtney Billinkoff won silver and bronze, respectively. The scores of their designs were based on creativity, quality of pattern drafting and garment construction skills.
The students had eight hours to complete the pattern drafts and sew fully lined garments which included a fitted, boned bodice and skirt.
As the gold medalist in the provincial skills competition, Hu will advance to the national Skills Canada Competition, which will take place June 1-4 in Quebec City, Quebec.
The Skills Canada competitions allow young Canadians, studying a skilled trade or technology, to challenge themselves to become the best in their discipline.
Students compete at local, regional and provincial levels to win the right to represent their province at the national-level competition.
“These awards are a testimony to the rigour and relevancy of our Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Technology program,” said Barbara Duggan, dean of Kwantlen’s Faculty of Design. “The dedication and capabilities of faculty for whom our students’ success is their success and of course our students who are in themselves incredible, hardworking, and will make a positive impact on the apparel industry and profession in so many ways. Congratulations to all.”
As the only four-year program of its kind in Western Canada, Kwantlen’s Bachelor of Design (Fashion and Technology) program prepares students for careers in the global apparel economy in fashion design, production, marketing and computer technology.