News Article

CNA sending record number of students to national competition


4/5/2011 1:54:39 PM


Twenty College of the North Atlantic (CNA) students will help form Team Newfoundland and Labrador at the 17th Annual Skills Canada National Competition in Quebec City, June 1-4 – making it the largest group of CNA representatives to ever make the national stage.

The roster was set as the results of the 14th Annual Provincial Skilled Career Day were announced on Friday, April 1 at the college’s Prince Philip Drive campus in St. John’s. After the medals had been handed out, CNA competitors from 13 different campuses had laid claim to 37 medals; 14 gold, 13 silver, and 10 bronze.

In addition to the 14 gold medal winners, the college will also have six other competitors on the provincial team, representing program areas in which there is no provincial competition (printing, refrigeration, web design, cabinet making, car painting, and precision machining). The names of competitors have yet to be announced.

At the nationals, nine CNA campuses will be well represented including Bonavista, Burin, Carbonear, Labrador West, Placentia, Port aux Basques, Prince Philip Drive, Ridge Road, and Seal Cove.

“This year's competitions were some of the closest ever held. It is obvious that the skill level of all our participants has been increasing each year, and this year was no exception,” said John Oates, President of Skills Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador. “Based on the results of the provincial competitions, I am confident that our team will be very successful in the national competitions being held in Quebec City in early June. Congratulations and best wishes to Team Newfoundland and Labrador.”

The 14 announced team members from CNA includes Prince Philip Drive campus students; Megan Hunt (Baking), Adam Parsons (Automotive Service), Bernie Fitzgerald (Autobody Repair), Chris McEvoy (Welding), Brandon Sullivan (Graphic Design); Marc Burton (IT Networks Systems Administration) and Nick Kelly (Cooking); Ridge Road campus representatives Cassandra Roberts (Architectural Technology and Design) and Stephen Barry (Electronics) as well as Nicholas Archer-Antonsen (Plumbing - Bonavista), Tanaya Preziosi (IT Software Solutions for Business – Labrador West), Alex Taylor (Brick Masonry – Carbonear), Mike McCarthy (Electrical Installations – Seal Cove) and Jamie Strickland (Sheet Metal – Burin).

“It was a great event and we are very pleased with the results of the competition,” said Bruce Hollett, President of College of the North Atlantic. “I was at the campus Friday and witnessed these students in action. The enthusiasm they showed towards skilled trades was very encouraging as they went through the competition process. Their hard work and dedication has certainly paid off.”


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Media Contact:

Roger Hulan
Communications Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
(709) 643-7938
roger.hulan@cna.nl.ca