News Article

CNA students claim eight Skills Canada medals


6/13/2011 8:50:23 AM


Michael Rowe took home a gold medal and the Best of Region Award for his outstanding performance in the field of Car Painting.

The 17th Annual Skills Canada National Competition was held in Quebec City, June 1-4 with another strong performance coming from College of the North Atlantic (CNA) students.

The 41 competitors of Team Newfoundland and Labrador returned home with their suitcases heavier as they were carrying medals from 13 competition areas; eight of which were claimed by CNA students.

The competitive platform of the Skills Canada National Competition presents a constructive and celebratory venue which inspires students and apprentices to continue the tradition of excellence in the fields of skilled trades and technologies. Over 500 secondary and post-secondary students and apprentices from across the country competed in this annual event.

“Team Newfoundland and Labrador performed and behaved with utmost class and excellence while at the National Competition,” said Carole Ann Ryan, executive director of Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Not only were we delighted to have been awarded medals in 13 competition areas, we were also thrilled to hear from other provincial and territorial representatives that our team members were helpful and kind to their fellow competitors.”

“I am so very proud of all our competitors,” said John Oates, President of Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador and Campus Administrator of CNA’s Prince Philip Drive campus. “They were excellent ambassadors for the province and the college and bringing home eight medals from the National Competition is such a fantastic accomplishment. I’d also like to thank our coaches and mentors for all their hard work and dedication. Congratulations to everyone.”

CNA President, Bruce Hollett, echoed those sentiments, noting that the institutions representatives always do the college proud.

“It doesn’t seem to matter what level our students are competing at; they always excel among their peers and represent the college with a high level of competence,” noted Hollett. “We are extremely pleased with the showing they had at the national competition, and I want to congratulate each of them, and their instructors, for the hard work they have put in to reach these milestones.”

Michael Rowe and Brandon Sullivan, who both represented Prince Philip Drive campus, took home a gold medals for the Car Painting and Graphic Design competitions. Rowe also won the Best of Region Award for his outstanding performance in the field of Car Painting.

“Competing in a Skills Canada National Competition is a great opportunity that builds character and experience in your chosen field,” said Rowe.

“Having competed at the Skills Canada National Competition, I am even more positive about my choice in training,” added Stephen Barry, who took home a silver medal in Electronics for the Ridge Road campus.

Justin Bennett of Port aux Basques campus claimed a silver medal for Cabinet Making. Bronze medal winners from Prince Philip Drive campus include Bernie Fitzgerald for Autobody Repair, Adam Parsons for Automotive Service and Marc Burton for IT Network Systems Administration. Michael McCarthy of Seal Cove campus captured a bronze medal for Electrical Installations.

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Media Contact:

Glenda McCarthy
Public Relations Assistant
College of the North Atlantic
709.643.6408
glenda.mccarthy@cna.nl.ca