A group of local high school students are being recognized for their success at the Skills Ontario Competition held May 4-5 in Toronto.
According to District of Muskoka officials, Muskoka students won a total of 7 medals, including a gold medal in electrical, a silver in baking and a bronze in brick masonry.
“Watching these students put their skills to the test on a provincial stage was truly inspiring,” said Steve Spiers, SHSM Consultant, Skills Ontario lead, and teacher with TLDSB. “The level of dedication and professionalism they brought to the competition reflects not only their personal commitment but also the strength of our skilled trades programming.”
Officials say the Skills Ontario Competition is to help career development and encourage interest in skilled trades, and The Reginal Workforce Committee (RWC), made up of representatives from six Muskoka municipalities and District Municipality of Muskoka, gave a $200 grant to each of the 10 Muskoka students who took part in the competition.
“Support from the Regional Workforce Committee helps reinforce the value of these pathways and shows students that their hard work matters – not just in the classroom, but in the broader workforce,” said Spiers.
According to officials, students from three Muskoka high schools made it to the Ontario Skills Competition for the following:
- Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School: Welding
- Gravenhurst High School: Electronics, Hairstyling, Workplace safety
- Huntsville High School: Brick masonry, Carpentry (individual), Electrical installations, Graphic design, Refrigeration, Baking
Students were chosen to represent Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) after being successful at the board-wide qualifying competitions held earlier this year.
“When we heard about this competition, and the dedication required for participating, we saw alignment with workforce development right away,” said Lauren MacDermid, RWC member. “By recognizing the students for a job well done and helping them purchase material – whether that be steel work boots, a design program fee, a unique tool, etc., the RWC wanted to support future career development of our local youth. Ultimately, our goal is to help Muskoka retain skilled youth and nurture the next generation of our workforce and we felt that this was one way to do just that.”
