LAC LA BICHE – On March 21, high school students from across northeastern Alberta were at the Portage College Lac La Biche Campus to take part in the 2025 Northeast Regional Skills Canada Competition.
Students participated in the carpentry, welding, and hairstyling competitions. On March 20, the Portage College St. Paul campus hosted culinary arts and baking competitions. The competitions were put on by Skills Canada Alberta and Portage College.
According to Donald Moore, the associate vice president academic/dean for Portage College, the skills competition is not only a celebration of skills trades overall but is also an opportunity for some of the region’s most talented up and coming journeypersons to push themselves.
“The Skills Alberta competition provides high school students across our region with the opportunities to showcase and refine their skills in a high-pressure, real-world environment,” he explained.
The competition serves as an opportunity to build confidence and professionalism for participants to become more well-rounded individuals. The event is also an occasion for the competitors to network with college and industry professionals, which can support future job opportunities.
“While winning or placing has clear benefits, even participating showcases a passion and conviction that is viewed well by industry. As a secondary benefit, the Skills competition also serves to inspire other young people to explore careers in the skilled trades,” he said.
Chloe Plamondon, a Grade 10 student at École Plamondon School, was part of the group of high school students who participated in the welding competition.
Plamondon’s sister is a welder. She also plans to enter the trade after high school, and said the competition provides participants with more exposure and knowledge.
“It’s good experience for everybody,” Plamondon said.
Wyatt Gehring, a student from St. Paul Regional High School, decided to take his carpentry skills to the Northeast Regional Skills Competition.
The skills competition is good because it shows what a real working environment is like, said Gehring. He plans to pursue a career in carpentry after high school.
When asked what he enjoys most about carpentry, Gehring said it’s “the fact that I can build something and say it’s my own.”
Marshall Nicholson, who attends Edwin Parr Composite School in Athabasca, was involved in the welding competition at Portage College.
Nicholson believes the competition is beneficial for students because it looks good on a resume and can set young people up for career and post-secondary opportunities.
“I believe it can help show off your skills and it can just put your name out there for people to see,” Nicholson said.
According to information from Portage College, the competition, which is offered through Skills Canada, was established in 1992. The goal of the competition is to challenge and encourage young Albertans who are pursuing careers in skilled trades and technologies.
Regional winners of the skills competition advance to the Provincial Skills Canada Competition. After the provincial event, top competitors have the chance to possibly join Team Alberta at the Skills Canada National Competition.
Results from the March 20 and 21 events were not available as of Lakeland This Week’s press deadline.
