Several students under the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) are putting their skills to the test.
Students from Chatham-Kent and Sarnia will travel to Toronto to take part in the Skills Ontario Competition.
According to a media release, over 2,300 students from across the province will attend the competition, which runs from May 7-9. The competition has several challenges focused on skilled trades and technology.
One Grade 12 student competing in the welding event is Cam Ostrander from Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School. His teacher, John Dunseith will accompany him at the competition.
"They're going to test us in two different processes, however, we don't know which of the processes they're going to use in the various stages of the project," says Dunseith. "You have to be prepared in many different skills when it comes to this competition."
Dunseith adds the students will have a time limit (six hours for the welding event) to work on their projects, before being marked on things like quality, appearance, and accuracy.
He says participating in a major competition such as this is good for students as it provides them with an added accomplishment on their resumes. The competition will simulate real-life situations that one would see when working in the trades.
"It's good to showcase the abilities of the students and show the importance of [the trades] to the community and schools," says Dunseith. "It seems like we're struggling to attract students into the trades."
There are about 70 events that will take place during the three-day competition. Students who place gold in an event have the opportunity to compete at the national competition in June, in Edmonton, AB.
"I think it's a great thing for all the boards of education to be involved in this," says Dunseith. "I think it's an awesome way to showcase some of the talent that these kids have."
Heather Hughes of the LKDSB says students from Blenheim District High School, Lambton Kent Composite School, Tilbury District High School, and Alexander Mackenzie Secondary School will be competing.