November 3, 2017

Medicine Hat College (MHC) apprenticeship students Tanner Tendler and Justin Fisher returned last week from the WorldSkills Abu Dhabi competition where they had the opportunity to demonstrate their skills on an international stage.

Described as the Olympics of the trades, the event featured 1251 competitors from 58 countries and regions participating in 51 different skills. Tendler and Fisher represented Canada in the skills of heavy vehicle maintenance and plumbing and heating, respectively.

Opening ceremonies at WorldSkills in Abu Dhabi.

The journey for Tendler and Fisher was neither quick nor easy. The pair first competed at MHC in the South East Regional Skills Alberta event back in April 2016 which took them to the next level of competition in Edmonton the following month. After successfully demonstrating their skills at provincials, the pair moved on to the national competition in Moncton, New Brunswick. They earned the right to compete in Abu Dhabi following a grueling, three-day Canadian qualifying trial held at the college in February 2017.

Dennis Beaudoin, dean of trades and technology, was among the team of college instructors who accompanied Tendler and Fisher to the event.

He described the competition in Abu Dhabi as fierce.

"It is amazing what these kids are doing, considering the maximum age of eligibility is 21. They are very well prepared and have put in a lot of training to make it this far. It is a huge accomplishment."

The Canadian team finished with one bronze medal and Tendler earned a medal of excellence for his performance.

"While the trainers played a key role in bringing students to this point, there were so many people involved behind the scenes that made a difference. From the shop aids who prepared projects, to the administrative staff who made travel arrangements, to the college executive and entire community who showed their support, we thank everyone who played a role," says Beaudoin.

Left photo: Keon Clift, MHC instructor, with WorldSkills competitor, Tanner Tendler.
Right photo: Justin Fisher, WorldSkills competitor with Scott Stickel, MHC instructor.