WHITBY, Ont. - Durham College student Dave Fletcher of Cavan, Ont., will represent Durham College at the Canadian Skills Competition in Winnipeg from May 27 to 30.
"The competition gives the students a chance to shine... it's amazing what they know," said Tony Poirier, a professor at Durham College's Skills Training Centre in Whitby.
Fletcher, who is completing his final year as an industrial electrician apprentice, received a gold medal in industrial wiring competition at the Ontario Technological Skills Competition, held May 3 to 5 in Kitchener. Fellow Durham student, Joseph MacPherson, received silver in the industrial mechanic millwright competition. MacPherson is currently completing his final year in the Industrial Mechanic - Millwright program.
The Ontario Technological Skills Competition and the Canadian Skills Competition are held annually by Skills Canada - Ontario, which provides programs and initiatives to encourage young people to consider skilled trades and technologies as viable, first-choice career options. These events give students a chance to showcase their talents and skills, testing them against industry standards.
Students from the Skills Training Centre have been competing in the competitions since 1992. "Apprentices never get credit for the work they do," said Poirier. "It's important for the students to receive recognition for a job well done."
Poirier, said he takes pride in the apprenticeship programs offered at Durham College and the students' involvement in the competitions. "It's good for others to know that our apprentices can make it out in the industry."
About Durham College
For 35 years, Durham College has been committed to providing job-focused programs, accomplished professors, quality-driven innovation, student success, and superior accountability. More than 5,600 full-time students and 23,000 part-time students are enrolled at Durham College. Programs offered at our Skills Training Centre in Whitby lead to employment in such areas as construction, manufacturing, communications, automotive service and repair, and emergency response.
For more information, visit our website at www.durhamcollege.ca, or call 905.721.2000.
For more information contact:
Caroline Timperley, 905.721.3111, ext. 2513
Communications and Marketing
Durham College
caroline.timperley@durhamc.on.ca
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