May 18, 2022

Hundreds of apprentices from across the province gathered at the Edmonton EXPO Centre to put their skills to the test at this year’s Skills Canada Alberta Competition on May 4 & 5. Both high school and post-secondary trades students are welcome to enter the competition each year, where they are challenged to perform a variety of tasks to see who is the best in their trade.

Medicine Hat College’s (MHC) own second year steamfitter/pipefitter apprentice, Spencer Mann, was up for the challenge, taking home the gold medal in his trade and moving on to the national competition.

“I had to build a 3-piece miter with a true wye, making sure I cut all my angles correctly and that everything lined up. I also had to do some copper and stainless tubing with soldering, braising and pipe-threading, ensuring my measurements were correct.”

Mann attributes his ability to execute the challenge to both the skills gained through his employer, Boomers Services Ltd., and his training at MHC.

“I practiced and studied a lot before-hand, putting in about 40 hours of practice after work and school,” Mann reflects. “I had help from my work and the majority of my practice was done here at the college.”

Mann’s extensive practice does not end here as he will be moving on to compete at the Skills Canada National Competition in Vancouver, BC on May 26-28.

“I am extra nervous. It’s a lot to take in and prepare for, but I will continue to practice a lot and ask a ton of questions.”

Despite his nerves approaching the competition, Mann encourages all trades students to consider participating in future years.

“If anyone is considering doing a trade, I would highly recommend looking into getting into this competition. It has been stressful but it has been very fun and a great learning experience.”

Click here to learn more about the Skills Canada Competition: www.skillsalberta.com/competition.

Explore the programs offered in MHC’s School of Trades & Technology: www.mhc.ab.ca/ProgramsandCourses