Annual competition showcases skilled trades

Limestone Learning Foundation
Annual competition showcases skilled trades
Posted on 03/04/2019
Image of Limestone Skills Competition poster

The 2019 Limestone Skills Competition, the first in a series of skills events intended to promote the skilled trades and technologies as viable, first-choice career options to students, will take place over two days in March.

The Limestone competition includes a broad range of occupations such as carpentry, baking, graphic design, welding etc. There are 19 secondary competitions and eight elementary competitions with more than 200 students from the Limestone District School Board, Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic District School Board and the Hastings & Prince Edward District School Board. Industry judges help assess students based on set scopes of criteria for each category.

“Skilled trades play an important role in our economy and our society yet are often an overlooked pathways for students,” says Mike Mol, Expanded Opportunities Consultant with the Limestone District School Board. “Skills competitions allow us to inform and engage our students in the benefits of pursuing a fulfilling career in skilled trades and technologies.”

The skilled trades sector touches almost every aspect of our lives from the homes we live in, to the cars we drive, to the food we eat. Currently, there is a skilled tradespeople shortage, and as Baby Boomers retire, the demand is only going to increase. There are more than 200 careers to choose from in the skilled trades sector and most offer apprenticeship training which might include post-secondary education through on-the-job training and in-school learning. This unique training provides participants with the skills to work almost anywhere in Canada.

This year, there will be two Limestone-sponsored competitions:

March 6, 2019: 

Napanee District Secondary School: Secondary - Auto Collision, Paint and Automotive Service. 

March 22, 2019: 

St. Lawrence College:

  • Grades 4-8: Lego Robotics, VEX, 2D Character Animation, Technology
  • Grade 7-8: TV/Video Production, Health/Safety, Green Energy, Construction
  • Grades 9-12: Brick Masonry, Cabinetmaking, Carpentry Individual, Carpentry Team of 2, Culinary Arts, Electrical Installations, Graphic Design Presentations, Graphic Design Studio Production, Hairstyling, Heavy Equipment Service, Home Building Team of 4, Photography, Prepared Speech, Small Powered Engine, Welding

Bayridge Secondary School: Secondary – Baking

Media are invited to attend and should arrive between 9 a.m. and noon to ensure good visuals for events. New this year is the addition of Brick Masonry and Heavy Equipment Technician demonstrations during the March 22 event at St. Lawrence College.

Gold medal winners from both days will advance to the Skills Ontario competition held in May in Toronto.

For more information, please contact:
Karen Smith, Communications Officer
613-544-6925 x 314 | 613-328-0947 mobile
Jane Douglas, Communications officer
Communications Officer
613-544-6925 x 311 | 613-328-0916 mobile

The Limestone District School Board is situated on traditional territories of the Anishinaabe & Haudenosaunee.