Skills Canada-Nova Scotia provides youth with opportunities to explore skilled trades and technologies, enhance their skills and strive for excellence in a chosen field.
Earlier this spring, four students from Dr. J.H. Gillis Regional High School travelled to various Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) campuses, throughout the province, to compete in SkillsNS competitions.
A duo comprised of Grade 12 students Lucas McCully and Andrew Sorenson competed in the mobile robotics competition, April 5, at NSCC Ivany Campus in Dartmouth. The pair had a great showing and finished third overall.
Grade 12 student David Stewart competed in the carpentry competition, April 9, at NSCC Strait Area Campus in Port Hawkesbury, and his exemplary skills were rewarded with a second place finish, earning him a silver medal.
Grade 9 student Gracie Glencross competed in the baking competition, April 11, at NSCC Akerley Campus in Dartmouth and her amazing baking skills earned her a first place finish, title of provincial champion, a gold medal and a seat at the National Skills Competition, which took place May 28 and 29 in Halifax. Gracie was one of the youngest competitors at both the provincial and national competition.
All four students worked diligently to prepare for their respective competitions. Some received additional training and support from teachers, as well as certified carpenters and chefs. A special thank you goes out to those individuals who shared their time and expertise to work with the students from Dr. J.H. Gillis Regional High School to prepare them for competitions.
DeWalt-Stanley has been a proud supporter of Skills Competitions for the past few years and each year encourages schools within the province to apply for a chance to win approximately $10,000 worth of tools, should they have a student competing in one of the designated competitions, such as carpentry. This year, Dr. J.H. Gillis Regional High School was the successful applicant and received numerous power tools, valued at approximately $10,000, following the carpentry competition in April.
These tools will be well received by students in skilled trades, construction technology and other production courses at the school and will further help support programming that exposes students to various trades and technologies.