A high school student competes in welding during the South East Alberta Skill Competition at Medicine Hat College on Friday. (Ross Lavigne/CHAT News)

By Jesse Gill

South East Alberta Regional Skills Competition promotes ‘good foundations for employment’ in Medicine Hat

Apr 19, 2024 | 5:54 PM

Trades and technology skills were on display Friday at Medicine Hat College during the 19th annual South East Alberta Regional Skills Competition.

An opportunity for teenagers to compete with a chance to move on to provincials, national or even international competition.

Local employers helped with the judging to scout potential future talent.

A pair of high school students competing in the automobile tech competition. (Ross Lavigne/CHAT News)

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Something that Jessica Hireskorn, skills coordinator for the South East Alberta Regional Skills Competition says is greatly appreciated.

“They come on campus, and they support the students,” Hirsekorn said.

“It’s also a win for them, because they can see the next generation of trades coming out, and sometimes they’re like, I’m gonna keep an eye out for you,” she added.

“Next thing you know, they’re employed when they come out of high school, or the become a rap student, and they start their apprenticeship early.”

Over 80 high school students from Medicine Hat and area competed.

High school students competed in cabinet making. (Ross Lavigne/CHAT News)

Hireskorn said they have seen great success with teenagers who have participated in the past.

“Getting not only life skills, but good foundations for employment,” Hirsekorn said.

“A lot of our students actually come back as apprentices, as succesful business owners, because they’re getting a really good foundation to take out into the workforce, with skills that employers are going to be looking for.”

Morgan Blair, dean of trades and technology at Medicine Hat College said there are very good job prospects for students pursuing the trades.

“They’re in very high demand,” Blair said.

“What we are hearing from the provinces is that they’re really willing to work with us to enhance capacity in the trades,” she added.

“We’re really excited to see the number of students we have on campus.”

Blair feels it is great exposure for these teenagers.

“Let them fly their skills and compete in a fun and friendly environment,” Blair said.

“It gives them an opportunity to potentially go on to both provincial, national and international competitions.”

High school students participating in the video production category. (Ross Lavigne/CHAT News)

At the college was automobile tech, cabinet making, carpentry, video production, welding and both junior and intermediate hairdressing.

Split between Monsignor McCoy High School and Medicine Hat High School were the baking and culinary arts programs.

Nykylan Janke, a Grade 11 student from Medicine Hat High School, competed in the carpentry event for his second year.

Janke appreciated the connections the event brings and knows carpentry is the career he’ll pursue.

“Just seeing the progress you made, and seeing that you started with a pile of lumber and you ended up with something like a bench or even in the future a house is pretty cool,” Janke said.

“I love the hands on work, seeing the progress in what I do and having something physical to just put up in front of me,” he added.

“It’s a pretty cool experience. You get to learn a lot and just be around people that are doing the same thing as you and getting to have the opportunity to go maybe to Edmonton to compete.”

Kenadie Spencer, a grade 11 student from Eagle Butte High School competed in junior hairstyling braiding. (Ross Lavigne/CHAT News)

Kenadie Spencer, a grade 11 student from Eagle Butte High School, competed in junior hairstyling braiding.

Spencer said she has been in cosmetology before, but this was her first opportunity for competition.

“I thought it’d look good on things, if I went to hair school or anything,” Spencer said.

“I enjoy cosmetology a lot too, and I love doing that kind of stuff. I think it went good, like, after you get into it, it’s not as terrifying as when they first tell you you can go, but the last five minutes were very scary,” she added.

“I think if somebody does want to go into hair salons, this is a really good opportunity to take because people do look at this and all that”

The top three in each event will also receive a medal.

Medals on display for the top three in each category. (Ross Lavinge/CHAT News)

The top two competitors in each category will move on to the provincial level in Edmonton on May 8-9.