Students Devon DeGraag and Zane Hernandez will head to the Skills Canada National Competition in Saskatoon May 28 to 30 after each winning a gold medal at the Provincial Skills Canada BC competition on April 15.
DeGraag and Hernandez, both participants in the Dual Credit Trades program jointly offered by Vancouver Island University (VIU) Powell River and School District 47 (SD47), demonstrated their trades skills in auto service technician and carpentry, respectively. With the support of their instructors Ron DePape (automotive) and Gary Huculak (carpentry), the two Brooks Secondary School students came out on top of all BC competitors in a high-pressure day of competition in Abbotsford.
“The competition was excellent,” said DeGraag. “I picked up a few tricks just by talking to other competitors. It was an unforgettable experience.”
Hernandez said he was glad to demonstrate his skills in the Skills Canada competition. “I’m looking forward to the Nationals in Saskatoon.”
Brooks was the only high school in BC to win two gold medals. As gold medallists, DeGraag and Hernandez will now have the opportunity to compete against students from across the nation in Saskatoon.
This is the second time Powell River students have been participating in the Skills Canada National Competition, which provides students hands-on learning opportunities and a chance to explore careers in various trade sectors.
Instructors DePape and Huculak were both pleased to add their support to the two promising Dual Credit students.
“It’s so great to have this platform for the students to showcase their skills,” said DePape. “It’s a great confidence builder and it looks good on their resumé when they are ready to enter the work force.”
The Dual Credit Trades programs have been offered through VIU Powell River and SD47 since 2005. A wide variety of trades programs are available at the Powell River campus: Automotive Service Technician, Carpentry, Culinary Arts, Hairdressing and Welding.
