College of the North Atlantic (CNA) students laid claim to 47 medals at the 17
th Annual Provincial Skills Canada Skilled Trade & Technology Competitions on Friday, April 4. Of the 47 medals captured, 20 were gold, 16 silver and 11 bronze. Twenty-three CNA students will now make up Team Newfoundland and Labrador for the Skills Canada National Competition taking place in Toronto, June 4-7, 2014.
The one-day event had over 900 secondary and post-secondary students come together at CNA’s Prince Philip Drive campus for a day of skills competitions, conferences, campus tours and a career fair. The host campus took first place in the Top Placing Schools Post-Secondary category, with fellow CNA campuses, Ridge Road and Corner Brook taking second and third respectively.
“I am extremely proud of the effort our students put into this competition,” said CNA President and CEO, Ann Marie Vaughan. “It is important that students are able to take what they learn in the classroom or workshop and apply it in real-world situations. Being presented with a competition challenge, and rising to meet that challenge, says great things about how our students are able to think on their feet and about our instructors who coach them so well. Employers have a keen eye on individuals that possess this trait – and that is why we believe our graduates continue to be in demand for today’s workforce.”
Carole Ann Ryan, Skills Canada Newfoundland & Labrador (SCNL) Executive Director, says the college’s showing at the competition was an impressive one and she looks forward to seeing what the provincial team can do on the national stage.
"We are absolutely delighted with the level of skill evident in our students and apprentices during the Skills Canada Provincial Competitions. Our partnership with College of the North Atlantic has enabled SCNL to deliver a high-quality event which provides young skilled tradespeople and technologists the opportunity to showcase excellence in their fields while encouraging other youth to pursue these exciting careers,” said Ryan. “We have no doubt these talented students and apprentices will shine at the Skills Canada National Competition in Toronto and demonstrate to the rest of Canada the high level of education and training these young people are receiving in Newfoundland and Labrador."
At the nationals, 20 CNA gold medal winners will represent nine campuses, including Bonavista, Burin, Clarenville, Corner Brook, Placentia, Port aux Basques, Prince Philip Drive, Ridge Road and Seal Cove. Steamfitter/Pipefitter and Heavy Equipment Service Technician provincial competitions have yet to be held.
CNA’s Dean of Industrial Trades, Robin Walters, addressed competition winners at the awards ceremony Friday evening and had some words of encouragement for those in attendance.
“Making it to the provincial level of these competitions is quite an achievement. And as you head back to your high school or campus, remember the amount of work you put into making it this far, and keep applying that dedication to your future endeavors,” Walters said. “To the winners who will be competing at the national level in Toronto this June, good luck! We are confident you will represent your schools and this province to the best of your ability. Enjoy your trip and make the best of this opportunity!”
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Media Contact:
Roger Hulan
Communications Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
(709) 643-7938
roger.hulan@cna.nl.ca