Advanced Machinist Apprenticeship student will also compete at Skills Canada in June

May 12, 2011

OSHAWA, ON. – Durham College students continued to demonstrate poise, determination and success last week, winning five provincial medals including one gold, two silver and two bronze, at the 2011 Skills Ontario competition, which was held from May 2 to 4 in Waterloo, Ont.

Second-year Animation – Digital Arts students Jonathon Phillips and Patricia Ricafort led the way, taking home gold medals in the 3-D Character Animation category, and Chris Kuypers, a recent graduate of the Mechanical Technician – Mechanical Maintenance and Control program took home silver in the Industrial Mechanic Millwright competition.

Jason Corlett, a third-year student in the Computer Systems Technology program, also won silver in the IT and Network Support category and bronze medals were awarded to Jeffrey McClenaghan, a Gas Technician 2 student and Christopher McFarlane, an advanced Machinist Apprenticeship student, in the Heating Systems Technician and Precision Machining categories respectively. The event saw McFarlane win his second medal in two years after winning silver in the CNC Machining category last year.

“I want to congratulate all of the Durham College students who enjoyed incredible success at the annual Skills Ontario competition,” said Don Lovisa, president of Durham College. “It is very impressive to return home with one gold, two silver and two bronze medals and this truly demonstrates the high quality of the teaching and skills offered by the college.”

“I would also like to recognize the faculty members responsible for guiding these students in their academic pursuits and leading them to achieving these well-deserved honours.”

Although Phillips and Ricafort will not advance to Skills Canada, the national skills competition held in June because the 3-D Character Animation category is not offered at that level, Ryan Nugent, an advanced Machinist Apprenticeship student has been invited to represent Durham College in the CNC Machining category since it was not offered at Skills Ontario due to lack of equipment. Skills Canada will be held in Quebec City, Que. from Wednesday, June 1 to Saturday, June 4.

In total, 14 students from Durham College took part in the provincial event with 10 individuals/teams placing in the top five in their respective categories. Both of the annual provincial and national competitions promote and showcase skilled trades and technology careers to youth.

About Durham College
At Durham College, the student experience comes first. In September 2010, the college welcomed more than 30,000 students to campus including more than 7,400 full-time post-secondary students as well as part-time, Second Career 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, energy, media, art, design, general arts and sciences, skilled trades, justice, emergency services and health care, enabling them 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 and Phase 2, nearing completion, is creating expanded shop space for several building trades and will also feature two homes where students will learn about sustainable construction and building. Phase 3 will be a building focused on food, hospitality and tourism. 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.

Media contact:
Michelle Roebuck
Communications, Marketing and External Relations
Durham College
905.721.2000 ext. 2197
michelle.roebuck@durhamcollege.ca

 

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