Automotive gold medallist Devon Degraag concentrates on the task at one of the testing stations for the BC regional Skills Canada competition at VIU’s Nanaimo Campus Feb. 20.
February 26, 2015 - 2:30pm
Powell River students studying trades at Vancouver Island University (VIU) Powell River in the Dual Credit Trades program offered through VIU and Brooks Secondary were among the top competitors at the Skills Canada Regional Skills BC competition in Nanaimo on Feb. 20.
Seven of the 13 Powell River students in the Dual Credit program returned home with medals following the day-long competition, where they tested their skills against students from other Vancouver Island communities in automotive service technician, carpentry, culinary arts and welding.
Powell River medallists in the Skills Canada regional competition were: Devon Degraag (Gold) and Blair Massullo (Bronze) in auto service technician; Zane Hernandez (Gold) in carpentry; Téa Mayer (Silver) and Daniel Woodruff (Bronze) in culinary arts; and Graham Hanson (Silver) and Eric Rairie (Bronze) in welding.
Gold medallists Degraag and Hernandez will be travelling to the Skills Canada Provincial Skills BC Competition held in Abbotsford on April 15. Winners from this competition go on to compete at the Canadian Skills Championships in Saskatoon in May.
Other students travelling from Powell River for the regional competition were: Aiden Devereaux, Kaela George, Jenn Blackney, Shea Whalen, Julien Sistaire and Kolton Fuller.
“We’re very proud of all our Powell River students who stepped up to compete in this very intense, timed competition,” said Micki McCartney, acting campus manager. “They’ve been supported every step of the way by exceptional instructors: Ron Depape in automotive, Gary Huculak in carpentry, Chris Gray and Lori Alexander in culinary arts, and Wes Irwin and Shane Ahola in welding.”
Since 1994, Skills BC has been providing thousands of post-secondary and secondary school students with the opportunity to watch their peers showcase trades and technology skills and compete for gold in these Olympic-style contests.
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Media Contact:
Shari Bishop Bowes, Communications Officer, Vancouver Island University
P:250.740.6443 C: 250.618.1535 E: Communications@viu.ca
Tags: Student Success
