Yukon College plays vital role in the Canadian Skills Competition

Whitehorse – Of the 21 students and apprentices sent to the Canadian Skills Competition from the Yukon, six were Yukon College (YC) students – current and former. Geordo Matechuk (plumbing) and Mike Trainer (electrical wiring) both won silver medals. Matechuk is a graduate of Yukon College’s Pre-Employment Pipe Trades program. Trainer studied in the electrical pre-employment program.

“Trades and technology instructors at Yukon College are among the best in the country,” stated Dr. Karen Barnes, vice president, Education and Training. In fact, Dan Curtis, executive director, Skills Canada Yukon adds, “Per capita, the Yukon, and Yukon College as its primary trades trainer, receives more medals than any other provinces and territories.”

The national Skills Canada organization (Skills Competences Canada) is supported by experts from across Canada who assist in the development, hosting and judging of the various competitions. Yukon College provided three of the seven experts on the National Technical Committee; Gene Batten, Jerry Wald and Craig Hansen.

Daniel St. Pierre (carpentry), Mike Usher and Shea Hierlihy (culinary) also competed. Ellen Bohmer, a former welding student, attended the Canadian Youth Forum but did not compete. Caroline Stanhope, a Yukon College culinary skills club participant, but not yet a full YC student, competed in secondary culinary.

Team Yukon was also composed of 9 Yukon high schools students from throughout the territory, many of which are excited to be continuing their journey at Yukon College in the immediate future.

Two gold medals were won by Yukon apprentices. The World Skills Competition will be held in London, England, October 5-8, 2011.