Six Assiniboine students win medals at Skills Manitoba competition, two to advance to Skills Canada

Two Assiniboine students, Jackson Salyn and Hailey Burghart, who competed at the 24^th annual Skills Manitoba competition, will move on to compete at Skills Canada in Vancouver in May, 2022.

In total at this year’s provincial competition, Assiniboine saw six students win gold, silver or bronze. The competition, originally scheduled for April 14, was rescheduled due to inclement weather and travel conditions, and took place throughout the week following (April 18-22).

“Skills Manitoba is always a great opportunity for Assiniboine students to continue to hone their craft and showcase their skills and abilities. We are proud of all the students who competed and the coaches who mentored them. This year’s return to an in-person competition was an added bonus,” said Kevin Poirier, Dean of Trades at Assiniboine and Team Assiniboine Lead. “We look forward to cheering on Jackson and Hailey in the national competition.”

Assiniboine students competed and placed in the following competitions:

Throughout the province, 213 students competed in 47 different contests at this year’s Skills Manitoba event and the gold medal winners will form Team Manitoba to compete against their peers at the Skills Canada Competition to be held in Vancouver in May, 2022.

“Moving onto Skills Canada honestly just proves to me that I am able to use what I've learned so far, and makes me hopeful for the future,” said Jackson Salyn, a second-year student in Network Administration Technology.

“My experience was great. It was easy to understand and everyone was helpful,” said Hailey Burghart, a student in Assiniboine’s one-year Construction Electrician certificate. “I think the national competition will be great for my future career and will be a once in a life time experience.”

The philosophy behind the competition is to reward students, involve industry and to keep training relevant to employers’ needs. Competitions are designed and judged by industry professionals and educators.

The Skills Competitions also raise awareness about Canada's shortage of skilled trades workers. Major industry associations expect a moderate to severe shortage of workers within the next five years. They also help raise awareness among students, educators and parents about the advantages of post-secondary training in trades and technology, including good pay, job security and flexibility.