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Students from the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) demonstrated their outstanding talent and dedication to skilled trades at this year’s GET SKILLED competition, held at St. Clair College. Competing in a range of trade-based challenges, GECDSB students showcased their expertise in automotive service, baking, carpentry, precision machining, and hairstyling—earning an impressive 10 medals across various disciplines.
The event, a pre-qualifier for the Skills Ontario competition later this spring, provided students with hands-on experience while connecting them with industry professionals and potential employers. It also reinforced the critical role of skilled trades in the local workforce, highlighting job opportunities in high-demand sectors such as automotive repair, construction, and precision machining.
GECDSB Medial Winners
| Competition | Medal | Students | School |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Service | 🥇 Gold | Liam Pilbeam | LDSS |
| Baking | 🥈 Silver | Renata Isabel Varas De Valdez | WFA |
| Carpentry Team - 2 | 🥇 Gold | Massimo Rubino | PASS ECP |
| Jaydon Sturm | PASS ECP | ||
| 🥈 Silver | Casey Kelly | PASS ECP | |
| Cameron Charbonneau | PASS ECP | ||
| Precision Machining | 🥇 Gold | Noah Bruggink | Sandwich SS |
| 🥈 Silver | Troy McGuire | NSHS | |
| 🥉 Bronze | Trevor Paquette | NSHS | |
| Hairstyling | 🥈 Silver | Chamya Provo | Herman Academy Sec |
Beyond the medal standings, 31 GECDSB competitors participated in the competition, all receiving a certificate of recognition and up to $1,500 in potential scholarship money to support their future studies at St. Clair College.
A Pathway to Future Careers
The GET SKILLED competition is more than just a contest—it’s a launching pad for students looking to enter skilled trades. Industry professionals were on-site, not only judging the competitions but also scouting future talent. In some fields, top winners were offered summer internships, providing hands-on experience and a head start toward apprenticeships.
This competition comes at a crucial time when labour shortages in skilled trades continue to grow. Events like GET SKILLED serve as vital opportunities for students to explore careers in industries that are in high demand, particularly in Canada’s Automotive Capital, Windsor-Essex.
With the Skills Ontario competition in Toronto on the horizon, these talented GECDSB students are now preparing to take their skills to the next level on a provincial stage.
Congratulations to all GECDSB competitors!
Their hard work, passion, and perseverance have demonstrated the incredible opportunities that technological education and skilled trades programs provide. As they move forward in their careers, these students are not only gaining valuable knowledge but also helping shape the future of Ontario’s workforce.
Stay tuned for updates as our GECDSB students compete at the provincial level in May!
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