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TRAINING
Medalists at the Nova Scotia Provincial Car Painting competition. From left: Alyse Nauss (Bronze), Nicole Hamilton (Silver) and Steve Bellefontaine (Gold).
Okanagan College students on the podium at the BC Skills competiton. From left: Caleb Loewen (Silver), Andreas Roth (Gold) and Marcel Kaemmerzell (Bronze).
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“The competitions help students get their foot in the door, as the judges and attendees are often people in the industry,” said Bill Speed, an industry advisor for Skills Canada. He spoke of one competitor who had yet to even complete his apprenticeship, but regardless received a job offer after an industry member watched him compete. Shops could certainly benefit from this too, as it provides a perfect opportunity to assess current young talent, open doors for recruitment opportunities and prepare to replace members of the aging industry. Speed added that lifelong friendships often arise out of the competitions, which will continue to help pave the way for a healthy community and tight-knit industry. Further enriching this community, the competitors often return as Skills Canada volunteers to give back and help the next generation. These competitions also give young people a general “heads-up” on what’s going on in the industry, introducing insight they may not receive in a classroom. Of course, this competition could not have happened without dedicated volunteers and supporters. “I would like to acknowledge the hundreds of volunteers and companies that donate funds, parts, materials and equipment