Conestoga news

June 17, 2021 2:16 PM

Conestoga students earn medals at national skills competition

Conestoga students earned three medals at the 2021 Skills Canada Virtual National Competition on June 15. The event is the largest national trade and technology competition of its kind for students and apprentices.

Conestoga College_Tyson Hergott.jpg
Conestoga student Tyson Hergott received a gold medal in the Bricklaying contest at the 2021 Skills Canada Virtual National Competition.

Secondary and post-secondary students from across the country represented provincial and territorial teams as they competed in more than 35 skill areas representing six sectors, including transportation, construction, manufacturing and engineering, information technology, services, and employment. Four Conestoga competitors earned a spot on Team Ontario after winning gold at the Virtual Skills Ontario Competition in May.

“Events like the Skills Canada Virtual National Competition provide a platform for competitors to develop their skills and helps prepare them for their future,” said Shaun Thorson, Chief Executive Officer, Skills/Compétences Canada, in a press release. “It also raises awareness of skilled trade and technology careers by encouraging youth to learn about these occupations through career exploration activities.”

Traditionally held in person, the event was adapted for a virtual format this year after a hiatus in 2020 amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. From May 26-30, students competed remotely in classrooms with the presence of a proctor. Contests were adjusted to fit a virtual delivery and considered equipment and material accessible across Canada. Each contest was recorded and made available to the public at the Skills Canada Virtual National Competition on June 15. Winners were announced during the closing ceremony.

Congratulations to Conestoga’s 2021 Skills Canada Virtual National Competition winners:

  • Gold: Tyson Hergott, Bricklaying
  • Gold: Daniel Kiss, CNC Machining
  • Silver: Jude (Dongju) Son, Welding

The complete list of medal winners is available on the Skills Canada website.

Founded in 1989, Skills/Compétences Canada is a national, not‐for‐profit organization working with employers, educators, labour groups and governments to promote skilled trades and technology careers among Canadian youth. 

Conestoga is a provincial leader in the delivery of trades and apprenticeship training to serve industry needs and the growing community. Comprehensive programming includes a wide range of post-secondary trades programs that provide pathways to employment in skilled trades careers as well as pre-apprenticeship training and in-school training for apprentices.

For more information, visit the School of Trades and Apprenticeship.