On February 27, over 350 DSBN secondary students will travel to Niagara College to put their skills and expertise to the test in the annual Technological Skills Challenges. Students will be showcasing their abilities in 26 different challenges. Events include everything from baking to construction, graphic design, and welding.

Challenges will take place at both the Welland and Glendale campuses. Niagara College staff will be working alongside students and providing the benefit of their experience. “Being able to work with professionals and benefit from their experience and expertise really enhances the learning experience. It is one reason why these events are so popular amongst students,” said Roy Smith, DSBN Technology and SHSM Consultant. “The process taking part in the skills challenges helps students prepare for rewarding careers in the skilled trades and technologies.”

Many of these students taking part in the challenges are enrolled in the Board’s Specialist High Skill Major (SHSM) and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship programming. “These students will be gaining valuable skills that help them become better prepared for a future in the skilled trades and technologies,” added Smith.  

The Skills Challenges will wrap up on Wednesday, March 6, with the Individual and Team Carpentry challenges at Market Square in St. Catharines, and the Aesthetics challenge at St. Catharines Collegiate.

The top 3 finalists from each DSBN Technological Skills Challenge will be recognized at the DSBN Skills Celebration to be held on April 17 at Club Italia in Niagara Falls. Gold medalists will represent the DSBN at the Skills Ontario Provincial Finals held at the Toronto Congress Centre on May 7 and 8.

Gold medalists at the Provincial level will become part of Team Ontario and advance to the Skills National Finals held in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from May 27 - 31.