It was a celebration of craftsmanship and technical skills.
Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) held a first of its kind skills competition, featuring seven students, from four high schools.
The event, at Listowel District Secondary School (LDSS), including welding and carpentry competitions.
It was the first time AMDSB organized a local competition of this nature, the board said in a media release.
Tech teachers from LDSS and Goderich District Collegiate Institute guided the entrants.
Financial support was provided by the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program.
Standout performers included Leland Gile, a Grade 12 student from LDSS, whose skills earned him a spot in the upcoming qualifying competition at Fanshawe College on April 13.
Mac Frey and teammate Kiyran Coulter secured a place in the Team of 2 Carpentry provincial competition set for May 7.
“This is an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their talents in the skilled trades,” said AMDSB OYAP recruiter Jodi Froud.
"Students today have met other students from across the district, who have a similar interest, and they are also able to network with the industry judges, which will give them a leg up in understanding what awaits them when they graduate high school."
Students from St. Marys DCVI, GDCI, and Stratford District Secondary School (SDSS) also participated.
Each competitor was selected from their respective schools as the top representative in their trade.
AMDSB announced it would be sending a student from SDSS for the hairstyling competition and another student from GDCI for the individual carpentry competition, underscoring the diverse range of skills across the district.
"The competition not only showcased the remarkable talent within AMDSB, but also highlighted the importance of technical education in preparing students for careers in various trades," the board said.
For more information about OYAP, Skills Ontario or other pathways programming offered at the Avon Maitland District School Board, visit amdsb.ca/pathways.
