The Skills Ontario Competition offers a unique opportunity for top students to demonstrate that they are the best in their field. During the event, they turn the heads of their educators, family, friends and prospective employers. This was Walters eighth year participating in the Metal Fabrication Competition as part of the Skills Ontario Competition (SOC) The end goal is to promote Metal Fabrication and encourage students to pursue a career in the trade and find new, talented metal fabricator/welders and build tomorrow’s workforce.
The Technical Committee and Metal Fabrication Career Booth staff:
Front row L-R: Kaylyn Roloson, Contributor and Judge (Walters Group); Caitlin Raymond (Walters Group); Lauryn Bateman (Walters Group); Ose Adaniken, Safety Rep (Walters Group) and Darren Cavanagh (Fleming College).
Back row L-R: Nathan Felteau, Human Resources Rep (Walters Group); Chris Blackwood (Mohawk College); Peter McIntosh, Technical co-chair (Walters Group); Robb Rioux (Cambrian College); Joe Pierre (Niagara College); Justin Decosemo (Mohawk College); Richard Green (Ogwehoweh Skilled Trades Training Centre); Michael Keith (Durham College); and Peter Olynyk, Technical co-chair (Walters Group).
Not pictured: Jeff Tripp (Ogwehoweh Skilled Trades Training Centre); James Hill (Ogwehoweh Skilled Trades Training Centre); Scott Smillie (St. Clair College) and Chris Hooper (Fanshawe College).
Interest in the Walters Career Booth was tremendous – both interactive and exciting! Students were outfitted with welding helmets, gloves and jackets to try out live welding under the tutelage of Walters Staff. Participants were lined up to try out their skill at welding and it proved to be fun for everyone.
Walters Group participated in the Elementary Workshop, where students were able to learn how to use a torch, read blueprints and learn about fitting.
The 2023 Skills Ontario Metal Fabrication Competition was held in person for the first time since 2019 at the Toronto Congress Centre. The Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC) is the Silver Sponsor of the competition. Eleven students from seven colleges competed for gold, silver and bronze medals.
On Saturday April 1st, Skills Ontario hosted area qualifiers for the Welding Competition for secondary school students at their own college shops with college supervisors or coaches overseeing the action. They are: Cambrian College, Conestoga College, Durham College, Fanshawe College, Fleming College, Mohawk College, Niagara College, Ogwehoweh Skills and Training Centre, and St. Clair College. The top three students from each area proceeded to the Ontario Finals.
The Metal Fabrication Event is offered to post-secondary students and is designed to test theory, blueprint reading, fitting skills, welding and thermal cutting skills. The competitors are given eight hours to complete the project. The Technical Committee members who organize and lead the competition, monitor safety and answer questions. The physical projects were judged after the competition concluded.
Without question, all of the competitors are champions. They all completed a very challenging project. Congratulations!
To learn more about the Skills Ontario Competition and view the winners in a multitude of skilled trades please visit: skillsontario.com
