Toronto, Ontario — September 10, 2019 — With more than 150,000 spectators, 1,700 competitors and 70 represented countries, the ‘Olympics of the Trades’ didn’t fall short of excitement and intensity this year as students across the globe fought hard to strike gold in the semi-annual WorldSkills competition
Located in Kazan Russia, the five-day event allowed students of the trade to show off their specific talents while fighting under intense pressure in a newly-constructed 800,000 sq ft. arena,
While some Canadian students focused on tasks such as bricklaying, hairdressing, and even culinary skills, future collision repairers competed in tough tournaments to show off their automotive expertise, and their efforts paid off.
Jack Dupuis, a Quebec-based student scored a silver medal for his top-notch heavy vehicle mechanics skills. Beating out Russia, Switzerland, and Korea, Dupuis also scored “Best of the Nation” award for scoring the most points out of all of his other Canadian competitors.
“When I learned that there was not only a Skills Canada National Competition but also a WorldSkills Competition, I knew that I wanted to be part of this great adventure,” Dupuis stated online.
Dupuis wasn’t the only ruthless representative from Canada that brought home some impressive accolades, recent graduate of Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Adam Sebastian received a medallion of excellence for his A-1 welding skills, and says that his journey to WorldSkills was ‘the best thing’ he’s ever done.
“I’ve travelled the world and worked with amazing people,” stated Sebastian. “The sacrifices and mental strain have made me a better welder and person, and I’m proud of that.”
Other reps from Canada that proved repairers do it better up North were Pascal Doiron and Maggie Friesen.
While Doiron took home a medallion of excellence for his automobile technology skills, Friesen scored a whopping 670 points during her car painting competition.
“WorldSkills as a movement is now nearly 70 years old, but it never stands still,” co-sated David Hoey, CEO of WorldSkills International and Simon Bartley, President of WorldSkills. “It is a unique event for all our young participants who are given this one chance to take part after years of hard work.
While provincial wide SkillsCompetitions take place every Spring, the next WorldSkills Competition won’t be taking place in 2021. Until then, stay tuned to read all about future repairers revving up for the next big skills event.
