Big Win for BAC Apprentices at 2017 Skills Canada National Competition

JOURNAL: ISSUE 3 - 2017

BAC Local 8 NB apprentice Ashley Bent, the gold medal winner of the 2017 Skills Canada National Competition, and Dwayne Giberson, bricklaying instructor of New Brunswick Community College.

More than 500 young students and apprentices from all regions of Canada participated in over 40 skilled trade and technology competitions at the Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) held May 31st–June 3rd in Winnipeg, Manitoba. SCNC is the only national, multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices in Canada. Over 10,000 student visitors attended this year's event, a record number of registered attendees in the event history. 

BAC apprentices demonstrated their craft excellence and took all prizes in the brick masonry category. Ashley Bent, a first-year apprentice of Local 8 New Brunswick, won the gold medal. The silver medal went to Colin Breckman, a secondyear apprentice of Local 1 Manitoba. Lane Lay, a third-year apprentice of Local 1 Saskatchewan, took the bronze. 

"Skills Canada provides hands-on experience related to skilled trade and technology careers and raises awareness of skilled trades career opportunities to Canadian youth," BAC Canada Regional Director Craig Strudwick said. "Our apprentices' excellent performance at the competitions once again has shown the quality training that our Union provides."

Winners of the 2017 Skills Canada Competition. From left, silver medal winner Colin Breckman of Local 1 MB, gold medal winner Ashley Bent of Local 8 NB, and bronze medal winner Lane Lay of Local 1 SK.