PHOTO/IMAGE COURTESY:Photo courtesy of Matthew Halton High School
Austin Willms, a Grade 12 student at Pincher Creek’s Matthew Halton High School, demonstrates his automotive servicing skills at the 2023 Southwest Regional Skills Competition. Austin went on to take first place in the auto services category.

Students compete in regional skills competition

By William Cockerell
Shootin’ the Breeze Shootin’ the Breeze Community Reporter
March 29, 2023
As a result of their efforts at the Southwest Regional Skills Competition, six local students with first- and second-place finishes have been invited to move on to provincials in May.

On March 18, students from Matthew Halton High School in Pincher Creek, Livingstone School in Lundbreck and Crowsnest Consolidated High School in Coleman participated in the regional competition.

The competition showcases trades and technology occupations, while rewarding students for their performances and commitment to these career paths. It is intended to help students develop a career awareness strategy to motivate them to pursue trades and technology occupations as a first-choice career plan. 

Matthew Halton High School results

Matthew Halton High School had five students at the event, with three finishing in the top three in their respective categories. 

Austin Willms competed in the automotive service category, where he picked up an impressive first-place finish. Competitors displayed their understanding of specific areas of an automobile, while demonstrating their ability to maintain and repair components of those areas.

Grady Mackintosh finished second in the cabinet-making competition. Students constructed a four-corner mitred box. This required them to interpret a provided drawing and perform various joinery techniques to construct the box.

Nathan Mitchell placed third in the carpentry competition, which evaluated students based on their ability to organize and execute a given work assignment both accurately and safely. 

“We’re thrilled that the students get to explore areas of passion that could lead to careers, and that they get to not only put this practice into everyday learning, but actually be recognized for their efforts,” says Bryan Burns, assistant principal at MHHS.

 

Advertisement
Interior of arched barn and exteriors of two barns promoting Heritage Acres as a wedding venue

 

Livingstone School results

Two students represented the Lundbreck school at the skills competition.

Neveah MacKinnon competed in the baking category, finishing in second place. She and her fellow competitors were tasked with producing a wide range of intricate baked goods. They were tested on ingredient selection, portioning, baking, presentation and more.

Sarah Yagos also competed for Livingstone, finishing second in the culinary arts competition. For this category, students were evaluated based on their culinary competencies and creativity. Competitors were tasked with preparing two specific menu items.

“These fantastic young ladies showed remarkable skill and talent in their respective disciplines and we’re thrilled to have them representing our school,” says Eliza Grose, the school’s assistant principal.

Crowsnest Consolidated High School results

CCHS had two students team up in the video production competition. Sophia Groves and Makayla Gustavson took home first place in this category, demonstrating a proficiency in the video communications field. 

The event gave participating students the opportunity to explore digital video production while creating a short video based on a topic and theme provided to them.

Since 2001, Career Transitions has teamed up with Lethbridge College and Skills Canada Alberta to host this skills event, one of nine regional competitions held throughout the province.

Congratulations to all of the local students who participated in this year’s competition and best of luck to those continuing on to provincials.

Advertisement
Check out the local scene words
Care to leave a comment?
Scroll down!
Like this story?
Click a link to share on social!
// Code example
 <div id="myid" class="myclass" hidden> 
Lorem ipsum <strong>dolor</strong> sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
</div>
Leave a Reply
Young woman in blue vest and jeans holds her steer's halter while a man in a light-coloured cowboy hat examines the animal. In the background is a green field, mountains and a blue sky.

Current Issue

Print and Digital Subscriptions
Individual Digital Copies

Advertisement
Get more from your dentist at Ascent Dental
Advertisement
Bride with long blonde hair smiles brightly in an ad promoting Ascent Dental for pre-wedding brightening.
Advertisement
Group of people in orange T-shirts standing together on a poster seeking nominations for the Direct Energy Volunteer Citizen of the Year
Advertisement
Deli tray with meat, cheese and dip, and a round cake with chocolate icing and raspberries promoting Blairmore IGA as a place to get wedding goodies.
Logos for Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association, News Media Canada and Government of Canada

News from southwestern Alberta and your local community connection

Office hours 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday
697A Main Street | PO Box 811, Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0

403-904-2227

Copyright 2011–2023 Shootin’ the Breeze.
All materials on this website are protected by Canadian copyright law and may be used only with permission.