Unionville High School student Nimish Patri earned a bronze medal at the 2021 Skills Canada Virtual National Competition (SCVNC).
Medals were awarded to the top competitors in 37 skill areas in six sectors: transportation, construction, manufacturing and engineering, information technology, services and employment.
Nimish earned his medal in Information Network Systems Administration. He qualified to compete at the SCVNC, which was held on a virtual platform on June 15, after earning a gold medal at the Secondary Skills Ontario Challenges, which was held virtually in May.
More than 1,200 high school and post-secondary students, apprentices, teachers, parents and career seekers – along with industry leaders, government officials and TV celebrities, including HGTV’s Sherry Holmes, Kate Campbell and Sebastian Clovis – took part in several virtual career exploration activities, including live sessions and demonstrations, at the SCVNC.
“Events like the SCVNC provide a platform for competitors to develop their skills and helps prepare them for their future,” says Skills Canada CEO Shaun Thorson. “It also raises awareness of skilled trade and technology careers by encouraging youth to learn about these occupations through career exploration activities.”
Four other students from York Region District School Board (YRDSB) also represented Ontario at the national skills competition after placing first in the provincial event. Angela Zhang and Rachel Han of Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School in Markham competed in 2D Character Animation; Sam Klug of Stephen Lewis Secondary School/Secondary Virtual School in Thornhill in Electronics; and Wilbur Zhang of Unionville H.S. in Graphic Design – Studio Production.
YRDSB students also earned two silver medals and four bronze medals at the Secondary Skills Ontario Challenges in graphic design, landscape design, mechanical CAD, photography, and web design and development. Elementary students earned one gold, two silver and two bronze in Lego Mechanical Engineering, a silver in Lego Robotics and a silver in Workplace Safety (silver) at the Elementary Skills Ontario Challenges.
“Our students worked very hard to prepare for the skills event,” says Heather Sears, Superintendent of Education, Curriculum and Instructional Services. “These events give them a great opportunity to learn and apply their skills, problem solve and innovate in a hands-on setting. We are so proud of all of our students who participated and congratulate them on their success.”
Photo: Secondary Skills Ontario Challenges gold medalist Wilbur Zhang of Unionville High School. Photo courtesy of York Region District School Board.
