May 16, 2016

From May 11 to 12, 2016 in Edmonton, Alberta students from Medicine Hat College (MHC) competed and placed in the top standings at the 2016 Provincial Skills Canada Competition.

Out of the five competitors sent by the college, four received awards: Justin Fisher earned a gold medal in plumbing and Ryan DeJong in architectural design; Russell Mortlock received silver in steamfitter/pipefitter; and Ben Ballavance took home bronze in electrical.

Both Fisher and DeJong will move onto nationals as part of Team Alberta in Moncton, New Brunswick on June 5, 2016. Also joining them will be Tanner Tendler who placed first in heavy equipment last year.

“This is a huge win for our students and the college,” says Dennis Beaudoin, director of trades and technology. “It not only speaks to the skills that our students have, but also to the level of support that is provided by the staff and faculty in our trades department. Our team really invests a lot of themselves into spending one-on-one time coaching and mentoring these students so they are ready to compete on a provincial and national stage.” 

The competition is a two-day event in which participants specialize in one area and must complete a project that has been designed by experts in the field. The students who place first in their category then move onto nationals. 

This will be the ninth year that representatives from MHC have placed on the podium in multiple trades.

“Our students work hard to hone their craft and it really shows,” says Beaudoin. “MHC has always had a strong presence at these competitions and it’s nice to continue to build on this tradition.”

Dr. Denise Henning, president and CEO at MHC explains that this a proud moment for the college.

“These students have worked hard throughout the year to prepare themselves for this competition. Not only have they placed the college and our trades department on a provincial stage but also Medicine Hat,” says Dr. Henning “To now have representatives on Team Alberta is a very proud moment for us, we look forward to seeing what happens at nationals.”

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.