13th annual Regional Technological Skills Challenge set for March 24

The premier local event for secondary students enrolled in the skilled trades is just around the corner.

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) will host the 13th annual Regional Technological Skills Challenge at several Owen Sound locations, Friday, March 24.

Industry judges from the region have once again been solicited to test the competitors according to industry standards. Some of the top-scoring students will advance to the Skills Ontario Qualifying Competition in Barrie, April 1, while others will move on to the Ontario Technological Skills Competition in Toronto, which is set for May 2 and 3.

In 2016, Bluewater District School Board students who advanced to the provincial challenge, brought home three gold medals, one silver, and one bronze. One of those students also represented Ontario at the national event in New Brunswick, winning silver.

The competition categories this year are: Carpentry - Team of Two, Culinary, Precision-Machining, Small-Powered Equipment, Welding, Automotive, Electrical Wiring, and Hairstyling.

“We look forward to welcoming our student competitors, and hope that local businesses, industries, media, and others who are interested in catching a glimpse of emerging local talent in the skilled trades, will join us during this year’s challenge," says OYAP co-ordinator/facilitator Dave Barrett. "The opportunity to compete regionally, and possibly at a broader level down the road, makes for an excellent real-world experience for local students who are considering a career in the skilled trades.”

Members of the public are invited to attend tours of the competitions at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. To register, E-mail oyap@bwdsb.on.ca or call Barrett at 519-363-2014, Ext. 2132.