Trades students throughout the Lower Fraser Valley gathered at Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Tech campus in Cloverdale last Friday (Feb. 24) to test their skills against one another in the annual Skills Canada BC competition.
Young tradespeople from across the province showcased their skills in Olympic-style events, and the winner of the competition will go on to compete in the Skills Canada event, with the opportunity to qualify for the Skills World competition.
Students from Surrey and Delta school districts showed off their skills in architecture, automotive service, welding, carpentry, fashion technology, mechanics and plumbing.
Third-generation welder Jaeden Wildenboer, an apprentice welder and graduate from Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) through the Youth TRAIN in Trades program (former ACE IT program), returned to defend his regional title and suceeded, taking home gold once more.
“Both my dad and late grandfather got me interested in trades and they are both tradesmen,” said Wildenboer, adding that Skills Canada “really puts you to the test to see what you can achieve.”
“It helped push me in the direction of going to KPU and becoming a welder,” he said.
Cloverdale’s Kyle Schreiber took third in the welding competition. Schreiber is a student at Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary, but he’s also already a KPU grad through the Youth TRAIN in Trades program.
“We see hosting this competition as an essential part of sparking our youth’s interest in careers in the trades,” said Dr. Salvador Ferreras, KPU provost and vice-president, in a press release. “It’s a great way for our students and apprentices to not only hone their skills, but also meet and compete with other future leaders and fellow entrepreneurs in their respective industries.”
For more information on Skills BC and Skills Canada competitions, visit skillscanada.bc.ca.