June 26, 2015

Justin Fisher, a fourth year apprentice from the plumbing program at Medicine Hat College (MHC), recently brought home gold from the 21^st Annual Skills Canada National Competition.

The competition took place May 27 to 30, 2015 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Over 500 students showcased their skill in more than 40 disciplines ranging from carpentry and welding to fashion design and hairstyling.

Fisher explains that although the competition was stressful and intense, it was a rewarding opportunity that he looks forward to experiencing in the future.

“I would like to compete again and make it on to worlds,” says Fisher.  “Although I wasn’t too confident going in, I still knew I had a pretty good chance. I’ve been in the trades since I was 13 years old, so I bring both industry experience as well as the knowledge I’ve attained from the college.”

Fisher will be eligible to compete again in 2016 which is a qualifying year for the WorldSkills Competition that is being held in Abu Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Dennis Beaudoin, coordinator with trades and technology says that he is extremely proud of Fisher’s accomplishment.

“We had confidence in him; he was selected because of his hand skills and his attention to detail. Last year he competed and received silver, so we knew he had a great chance at gold this year.”

Beaudoin explains that the college offers various supports to the competitors throughout the process from a small per diem for travel and accommodation costs to coaching and mentorship.

“Every year all the trades instructors at MHC pick their candidates and help prepare them for competition through one-on-one tutoring,” says Beaudoin. “We’ve had some great champions come from the institution, which speaks to the calibre of students we have, the commitment of our trades department and the great pride our instructors take in fostering and developing the skills and knowledge of these students. We are a force to be reckoned with and a leader in trades education.”

If you are interested in learning more about the Annual Skills Canada National Competition visit www.skillscanada.com. 

For more information on the trades programs offered at MHC visit www.mhc.ab.ca.