CREDIT: FANSHAWE'S CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
Fanshawe's Maggie Friessen (right) wins gold for auto painting at the Skills Ontario Competition. Friessen, along with other students will compete in the Skills Canada National Competition in Edmonton, Alta., on June 4 to 5.

For the eight year in a row, Fanshawe students won big at Canada’s largest skilled trade and technology competition in early May.

The Skills Ontario Competition took place in Waterloo, Ont., and saw Fanshawe come home with eight medals.

The competition took place over the course of two and a half days with winners being awarded with gold, silver or bronze medals - and some with monetary awards, too. This also gives the students the opportunity to compete at the Skills Canada National Competition in Edmonton is during June 4 to 5.

During the competition, participants would be judged on the outcome of a project depending on the category. All participants, including those from Fanshawe, have faculty advisors who guide and preparing them for these skill-testing events.

One of the winners, Maggie Friessen, received the gold medal for auto painting.

“I washed, prepared and painted half of a bumper; polished half of a hood, paying close attention to grit scratches and final shine; featheredged, primed and blended base coat in order to repair a scratch in a plastic bumper; mixed paint accurately, matched colour chips to 2 different panels; also, paying close attention to working safely,” Friessen said.

Friesen explained the process of the completion and her thoughts about it.

“It really is exciting because at the beginning of the competition you participate in specific paint line training, and you can ask any questions about how the company’s paint works. It’s great for expanding your knowledge of paint that you might not get to spray on a daily basis,” Friessen said. “I also enjoy talking to other paint apprentices about their college and workplace experiences, and take a look at the processes they use to tackle a job. Another great part is making connections with some of the pros in the industry and tech reps that have volunteered to judge the competition.”

The eight winning Fanshawe students include: Emma MacMillan (Gold) Architectural Technology & Design, Maggie Friessen (Gold) Auto Painting,Rachel Radauskas (Gold)Landscape Design, Dalton Good (Silver) Electrical Installations, Justin Shortreed (Silver), Carpentry Individual, William Bain (Silver) Automation & Control, Scott Partridge (Bronze) Auto Collision Repair, and Hannah Hickmott (Bronze) Baking.

In a May 11 Fanshawe Corporate Communications press release, Gary Gerard, architectural technology program co-ordinator and coach of gold medal winner Emma MacMillan had positives to share about the experience.

“We are happy to be a winner at the Skills Ontario Competition. It’s always a tough competition and Emma did well and will participate at Skills Canada in Edmonton in June,” Gerard said. “Fanshawe has now won seven Ontario Gold medals in Architectural Technology and design. The program has produced 11 overall medals, including four silvers since entering the competition in 2011. We are happy for all our students who participated and appreciate the support of everyone in the Donald J. Smith School of Building Technology.”

Friessen will also be going to the competition in Edmonton and is hard at work preparing.

“Leading up to the competition I’m already expanding my skills just to prepare for what’s ahead, but I hope to find another opportunity to pick up a new trick or try something new somewhere along the way. Of course, going to the World Skills Competition is the goal, but I am honoured just to be going to Edmonton,” Friessen said.