Bluewater District School Board and Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board students from eight secondary schools convened in Owen Sound on Friday, March 1, as the Regional Technological Skills Challenge made its exciting return for another year.
Hosted by the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) in three locations, including Georgian College, Sydenham Campus, and Owen Sound District Secondary School, competitions encompassed the wide-ranging categories of Carpentry – Team of Two, Culinary, Electrical Installations, Hairstyling, and Welding.
The premier local skilled trades event of the year, ‘Regional Skills’ is for local secondary students enrolled in trades programs. Each challenge is judged by local industry experts, who grade participants according to specific criteria reflective of their sector.
The top three students from each challenge at Regional Skills 2024 were:
Culinary
1. Padraig Barry Murphy – Saugeen District Senior School
2. C.J. Antoine – John Diefenbaker Senior School
3. Azel Garside – Saugeen District Senior School
Welding
1. Clayton Wood – John Diefenbaker Senior School
2. Parker Elphick – Sacred Heart High School
3. Greg Stroeder – Owen Sound District Secondary School
Hairstyling
1. Riley Hayball – Owen Sound District Secondary School
2. Austin Ceaser – Owen Sound District Secondary School
3. Gloria Libicz – Owen Sound District Secondary School
Electrical Installations
1. Nathan Romphf – Sacred Heart High School
2. Dakota MacInnis – Saugeen District Senior School
3. Michael Liscio – Owen Sound District Secondary School
Carpentry – Team of Two
1. Jake Matcheski and Hayden Wardell – Owen Sound District Secondary School
2. Landon Fry and Alex Tersteege – John Diefenbaker Senior School
3. Tim Ireland and Cohen Wettlaufer – Sacred Heart High School
The top three Culinary and Welding students will move on to compete at the 2024 Skills Ontario Qualifying Competitions in Barrie on Saturday, April 13. The first-place finishers in the remaining categories will advance directly to the 2024 Skills Ontario Competition on May 6, 7, and 8 in Toronto.
“Congratulations and best of luck to these competitors as they move on to the next phase of challenges. Acknowledgement is also extended to every student who participated and brought their skills to the table,” said the BWDSB. “Thanks to OYAP, our hosting community partners, judges, technology teachers, and other staff, who helped to coordinate and ensure the success of another amazing experiential learning event for students. They are appreciated for their ongoing commitment and support of students as they explore careers in the skilled trades.”
