Durham College takes top spot at Skills Canada National Competition Posted on May 23, 2012 at 4:20 pm. Apprenticeship student wins gold in Plumbing category Wednesday, May 23, 2012 Oshawa, Ont. – Following its success at the Ontario Technological Skills Competition earlier this month, Durham College is proud to announce that Ryan Voscek, a Plumber apprenticeship student, has taken first place in the Plumbing category at the 18th annual Skills Canada National Competition, which took place in Edmonton, Alta. from May 14 to 15. The win marks Voscek’s second gold medal in a three-week time span, he also received gold in the Plumbing category at the Ontario Technological Skills Competition, which took place in Waterloo, Ont. from April 30 to May 2. “On behalf of everyone at Durham College I congratulate Ryan on his second gold medal win,” said Judy Robinson, vice-president, Academic, Durham College. “We are very proud of his continued success, which is a clear reflection of his training here at the college and his dedication to excellence.” Taking place at the Edmonton EXPO Centre, the Skills Canada National Competition is Canada’s Biggest Trade and Technology Challenge with 500 competitors and 10,000 spectators. Contestants compete and are evaluated in 40 different trades and technology areas using industry standards and established work practices including quality of work, cleanliness, skill level, safety and creativity. “Competing at the Skills Canada National Competition was an amazing opportunity and I am honoured to have represented Durham College and Ontario at the national level,” said Voscek. “My success at the competition can be linked to the training I received at the college and in the work field. I always fully commit to using my skills in the most effective way possible – whether it’s during a competition or on the job. I would like to send huge thanks out to Professor John Platnar and the Durham College Plumbing faculty for putting on such a great program and to everyone who supported me throughout this amazing experience.” A national, not-for-profit organization founded in 1989, Skills Canada works with employers, educators, labour groups and governments to promote skilled trades and technology careers among Canadian youth. This includes offering experiential learning opportunities including skilled trades and technology competitions through regional, provincial/territorial, national and international events and skilled trade awareness programs. Voscek was joined at the competition by third-year Computer Systems Technology student Mike Wade and third-year Computer Systems Technology student Alistair Belyea, who also competed at the Ontario Technological Skills Competition. Wade and Belyea received gold and silver in the IT Network Systems and Security Administration category at the Ontario-based event. “We are extremely proud of all of the students who participated at the Skills Canada National Competition, which provides an excellent opportunity for them to demonstrate their skills and talent at the national level,” added Robinson. “Combined with their success at the Ontario Technological Skills Competition, Ryan, Mike and Alistair have done a remarkable job representing Durham College this past month and we are extremely proud of all of their hard work. I congratulate each on a job well done and am confident they will find success in their future career paths.” -30- About Durham College At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2011, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including more than 8,400 full-time post-secondary students as well as part-time and continuing education students; apprentices; and online learners. The college offers a wide range of market-driven programs in a number of different disciplines including business, information technology, media, art, design, general arts, science, skilled trades, justice, emergency services, health and engineering technology, enabling students to develop the skills required to meet the demands of today’s job market. A three-phase expansion of the college’s Whitby campus is currently underway. Phase 1 opened in September 2009 followed by Phase 2 in May 2011. Phase 3 will see the creation of a 36,000-square-foot building focused on agriculture, culinary, hospitality and tourism. Accommodating approximately 900 new students, it will house new classrooms and labs and offer a full-service, green-certified restaurant and lounge and see the creation of a greenhouse – all of which will be open to the general public. In addition, a new Student Services building opened at the Oshawa campus in January 2011. For more information, visit www.durhamcollege.ca or call 905.721.2000. For more information: Allison Rosnak Durham College 905.721.2000 ext. 2333 allison.rosnak@durhamcollege.ca SHARE:
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