February 18, 2011

 Student Skills on Display During Tech Challenges  

After months of hard work and preparation, hundreds of students at the District School Board of Niagara are putting their skills to the test at one of the Niagara region’s premier technology events. Now into its 13th exciting year, the DSBN Technological Skills Challenges showcases the talents, knowledge and creativity of public school students in Niagara. Students qualified for the Board level challenges by taking part in a series of school-based competitions over the past months.

“This event is certainly a highlight of the year for many technology students who have been learning their crafts and honing their skills since September,” says Mike Doyle, Skills Development Coordinator. This year, students are competing in 5 elementary level and 25 secondary level challenges.

“The wonderful thing about the Skills Challenges is they showcase the numerous pathways to success available to our technology students,” says Colleen Fast, Specialist High Skills Majors Facilitator.

“We are also fortunate to receive considerable support from our industry and post-secondary partners who donate their resources, time and facilities to help make this event a truly authentic and rewarding experience for our students,” adds Doyle.

Gold medalists from each of the DSBN Regional Challenges will advance to the provincial level competitions held from May 2-3, at RIM Park and Manulife Financial Sportsplex in Waterloo.

“These students represent the next generation of excellence in the skilled trades and technologies,” says DSBN Technology Consultant Kevin Graham. “Although students are competing to advance to the provincials, the real benefits of the skills challenges are the opportunities students have to further develop their skills, get constructive feedback from industry professionals and refine their future career aspirations.”

Keep up to date with the challenges by visiting the DSBN Technology Facebook page.