and will compete in the National Skills competition in Vancouver, June 5-8, 2013
For immediate release
(Metro Vancouver, BC) – Students enrolled in Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) welding, industrial mechanic/millwright and plumbing programs dominated the annual Provincial Skills Competition in Abbotsford last month.
KPU Welding student Nathaniel Printis received a Gold Medal and will be representing KPU and the province of BC next week at the Nationals. Nathaniel started as an ACE-IT high school student, completing his Level C welding at Kwantlen. He got his first welding job in a sheet metal shop and has since gained experience from structural to bio medical welding while completing his “B” and “A” level tickets at KPU. "I'm practicing my skills to ensure I'm well prepared to compete at the Nationals. I'm excited with the opportunity to represent Kwantlen, and want to thank my instructors for all their support" said Nathaniel.
Silver and Bronze Medals in Industrial Mechanic/Millwright were also awarded to KPU students Derek Layton (3rd yr) and Chris Bonneville (2nd yr) respectively at Skills BC. Although not a medal winner, KPU student Cameron Archer came in 4th place.
Mason Hill, a 17 year-old ACE-IT student received a Silver Medal in Plumbing and was the only high school student in the Plumbing event, competing against post-secondary competitors already working in industry.
Skills competitions provide opportunities for Canadian youth studying a skilled trade or technology to be tested within exacting standards and against their peers from across the nation. A number of interactive hands-on activities will be available at the National competitions, encouraging students to get engaged and excited about a future in skilled trades or technology. Started in 1994, the Skills Canada National Competition remains the only national, Olympic-style, multi-trade and technology competition for young students and apprentices in the country.
As an Educational Sponsor and Partner, Kwantlen is proud to support the 19th Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) which is being held in Vancouver, June 5 – 8. SCNC is Canada’s largest national Trade and Technology challenge. Over 500 competitors will compete in over 40 events at BC Place. This event will determine those members selected to represent Team Canada for the WorldSkills Competition in Leipzig, Germany in July 2013
KPU’s faculty of trades and technology offers leading-edge trades and technology programs, including: appliance servicing, automotive service technician, carpentry, CADD technologies, electrical, farrier, masonry, millwright, parts and warehousing, plumbing, public safety communications and welding. For more information please visit: kwantlen.ca/trades.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region for 30 years, and has opened doors to success for more than 250,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, apprenticeships, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 18,000 students annually have a choice from over 200 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and citations.
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For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Joanne Saunders
Director, Communications and Marketing Services
604.599.2888
joanne.saunders@kwantlen.ca