Facing off against 300 student competitors from all regions of Canada, five Durham College (DC) students were awarded medals during the prestigious 2022 Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC), in Vancouver, British Columbia on May 26 and 27. In addition to the student competitors, more than 3,000 visitors, industry leaders and government officials were in attendance.

Bringing home silver from SCNC was Holly White in the Aesthetics category, Abigayle Hamilton and Emma Pace for Landscape Gardening and Jared Toomey for IT Networking. Christopher Santoli also received bronze in the Photography category. Prior to claiming their silver and bronze medal victories, all students competed at the 2022 Skills Ontario Competition and won gold or silver in their respective categories, allowing them to advance to the national competition.

“We are incredibly proud of these talented students – whose practical knowledge and dedication have just been rewarded at one of the most prestigious skills competitions in Canada – and their faculty mentors who supported them throughout the competition,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, executive vice president, Academic. “These victories and the recognition at both the national and provincial level are further proof that Durham College programs prepare our students for career success as they become the industry leaders of tomorrow.”

Skills Canada was founded in 1989 as a national not‐for‐profit organization that works with employers, educators, labour groups and governments to promote skilled trade and technology careers among Canadian youth. SCNC is the only multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices in the country. By providing a forum where young Canadians can compete at the national level, SCNC provides hands-on work experience related to skilled trade and technology careers.