Between May 2 and 4, 2,100 competitors from high schools and colleges across Ontario will visit RIM Park to compete in nearly 70 skilled trades and technologies contests as part of the Ontario Technological Skills Competition (OTSC).
This marks the last year the competition will be held in Waterloo Region. Conestoga has served as the host college for the event since 1997, but due to the OTSC’s tremendous growth it will move to its new venue, the Toronto Congress Centre, in 2017.
Conestoga’s long history with the OTSC is highlighted by the great achievements of students who have applied their skills and knowledge to earn the college nearly 300 competition medals. This year, 35 students will represent Conestoga at the competition in contests ranging from website development to culinary arts.
“Those who compete at the OTSC are the future of skilled trades and technologies in Ontario,” said Gail Smyth, executive director for Skills Ontario. “We believe there’s no better way for a young person to jump start their career than by providing them the opportunity to tell future employers they are a gold medalist in their field.”
Over the years, Conestoga has been a proud sponsor and supplier of the competition with staff and faculty serving as volunteers, trainers, technical chairs and experts in a range of disciplines at the provincial, national and world Skills competitions.
Conestoga has also been honoured with the OTSC’s College Award of Distinction in 2009, 2010 and 2013. The award was established in 2009 and was designed and crafted by Conestoga faculty members.
Competition winners will be presented with medals at the closing ceremony at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex on Wednesday, May 4.
Visit the OTSC website for more information.