Sask Polytech students win big at Skills Canada provincial and national competitions

With Skills Canada national competitions canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was a long wait for the Saskatchewan Polytechnic students eager to compete.  

This year was the first time in history the post-secondary provincial and national competitions went virtual—and Sask Polytech’s competitors were more than ready for the challenge.   

In April, students representing a variety of programs participated in the provincial Skills Canada competition—an Olympic-style competition that celebrates student skills across a variety of trade and technology areas, while also allowing competitors to network with their future employers.  

“The future employers are there to help us run the competition and to make sure the competition mimics what the industry looks like,” explained Colin Phippard, Skills Canada Saskatchewan executive director. “But they are also there to get to know some of these young people and see if they would be a good fit for employment.” 

Though students were unable to show off their skills in person, with participants submitting photos and videos of their projects or competing over live video links, Sask Polytech’s entrants were once again able to impress the judges and reach the podium in 12 of the 36 events—nine of which were gold medal placements. 

Those who placed first provincially then went on to compete at the national level in June. It was another strong showing for Sask Polytech with students taking home two gold medals, one silver medal and three bronze medals—nearly half of the 13 podium placements by Saskatchewan competitors. 

“Sask Polytech had a really good showing, especially when you consider that this competition is open to every apprentice who may or may not be in school at that particular time,” Phippard said.  

He also notes that this strong showing is nothing new for Sask Polytech students, and Saskatchewan in general, who always manage to have impressive results both provincially and nationally. 

“We are so incredibly proud of all our students who took part in this year’s provincial and national Skills Canada competitions,” said Sask Polytech president and CEO, Dr. Larry Rosia. “This virtual showcase of skills has shown, even after this unprecedented year, that the hard work of our students and the training and preparation by our excellent faculty and staff, has once again added to Sask Polytech’s outstanding track record at these Skills Canada events. Congratulations to all that participated.” 

2021 Skills Canada Saskatchewan winners  

2021 Skills Canada National winners

Skills Canada Saskatchewan, a non-profit provincial organization affiliated with the national body, Skills Compétences Canada, encourages youth to consider careers in the skilled trade and technology sectors. 

For more competition details, please visit www.skillscanadasask.com.   

Published July 2021