Regional skills competition demonstrates local talent

The region has technical programs in each of its 11 high schools, so the competition drew from a strong group of talent for competition day. Stephen Kerr from Sandvik Coromant and Joe Poulin from Hurco were on hand to assist in the judging of the precision machining competition. In addition to this, however, the students were lucky enough to have representatives from Linamar Corporation and Triumph Tool owner John Duffy to discuss opportunities in the industry today. Joe Roncato & Dejan Doslo, both Manufacturing Engineers, were on hand from Linamar. Roncato addressed the students, discussing the strength of Linamar in the area, and how he has grown through his 33 years at the company.   Louis Dropka, Professor in the Mechanical Technician Program at Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, also spoke about the growth of the college's program in the past couple of years. He noted that the machining program at the college is growing year on year. He also noted that once-closed programs at other colleges are up and running again, suggesting a growth in interest among younger students for the trades. Congratulations to all of the winners. Watch for more coverage on the provincial and national skills competitions later this season. The Winners: CAM competitionUpper Grand District School Board1. Jayson Winchester            Erin DHS  (Erin)        2. Iain Brooksbank              Erin DHS  (Erin)        3. Patricia Winfield            John F Ross     (Guelph)4. Brydon Domingos              John F Ross     (Guelph)                Wellington Catholic DSB1. Kaden Ker                    Our Lady of Lourdes     (Guelph)2. Patrick Budziszewski Our Lady of Lourdes     (Guelph)        Precision Machining competitionUpper Grand District School Board1. Jordan Brent         John F Ross     (Guelph)2. Steven Anderson              Wellington Heights SS (Mount Forest)3. Ron Weber                    Norwell DSS  (Palmerston)Wellington Catholic DSB1. Paul Turco                   Our Lady of Lourdes     (Guelph)2. Cameron Hendy                Our Lady of Lourdes     (Guelph)3. Dylan Conroy         Our Lady of Lourdes     (Guelph)Mechanical CAD competitionUpper Grand District School BoardAlex Held from Centre Wellington DHS will move on to Provincials in the 3D CAD competition and the following are the results for the 2D CAD Competition1. Tom Southwell        John F Ross     (Guelph)2. Alex Held            Centre Wellington (Fergus)3. Noah Allard           John F Ross     (Guelph)4. Kevin Vandriel       John F Ross     (Guelph)5. Ethan Waldeck John F Ross     (Guelph)6. Cole Bertasson       John F Ross     (Guelph)Other distinguished guests at the event included: Charles Benyair - Specialist High Skills Major & Tech Education Lead (Upper Grand District School Board); and Carlo Zen - SuperIntendant of Education (Upper Grand District School Board).