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Niagara Falls
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Niagara College hosts 20th annual DSBN Technological Skills Challenge

More than 350 high school students from across Niagara will compete today in DSBN’s 20th annual Technological Skills Challenge.

Students from 17 Niagara high schools will compete in more than 25 challenges across many disciplines including automotive tech, computer coding, advanced manufacturing, hairstyling, baking and culinary arts, at Niagara College’s Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake campuses. 

The DSBN and Niagara College staff will work together to administer the challenges and give the students a taste of real, hands-on experience in their chosen fields and to help prepare them for successful careers in the skilled trades.

Many of the students involved are Specialist High Skill Major (SHSM) students and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) participants.

“Hosting the Skills Challenge is something we take pride in every year,” said Marc Nantel, Niagara College’s associate vice president of research and innovation and interim dean of media, trades and technology, in a NC media release.

“The students come in with amazing talents in the trades, and Niagara College is able to provide state-of the art facilities, equipment and expertise to help them demonstrate that talent and take the next step toward a successful career.”

Paula Mackinnon, superintendent of secondary education for the DSBN, said the competition is the highlight of the year for many technology students who have been honing their skills since September.

The top three finalists from each challenge will be recognized at the DSBN Skills Celebration on April 17 at Club Italia in Niagara Falls and the gold medal winners will represent the DSBN at the Skills Ontario Provincial Finals in May. 

Winners at the provincial finals will become part of Team Ontario and will advance to the Skills National Finals in Edmonton this year.

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