On Feb. 27, Niagara College will play host to over 300 District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) high school students as they compete across many different disciplines in the DSBN's annual Technological Skills Challenges.
Students from 17 Niagara public secondary schools will compete in over 20 challenges at both the Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake campuses. Challenges will demonstrate students' skills in everything from automotive tech, to computer coding and advanced manufacturing to hairstyling, to baking and culinary arts.
Faculty and staff from Niagara College will work alongside the DSBN to help administer the challenges and give the students a taste of real, hands-on experience in their chosen fields.
"The college is always happy to welcome DSBN students onto our campuses to explore their passions and skills through these competitions," said Vincent Shaikh, dean of Media, Trades and Technology at Niagara College. "The college places a strong value on hands-on, experiential learning, and that focus makes Niagara College a key partner in helping these students develop the real-world skills to excel in their future careers."
The Technological Skills Challenge helps prepare students for successful careers in the skilled trades, and are an excellent demonstration of how "Makers Change the World." Many of the students involved are Specialist High Skill Major (SHSM) students and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) participants.
"Being able to work with professionals and benefit from their experience and expertise really enhances the learning experience. It is one reason why these events are so popular amongst students," said Roy Smith, DSBN Technology and SHSM Consultant. "The process of taking part in the skills challenges helps students prepare for rewarding careers in the skilled trades and technologies."
The top 3 finalists from each Challenge will be recognized at the DSBN Skills Celebration in April. Gold medal champions will represent the DSBN at the Skills Ontario Provincial Finals in May. Gold medalists at the provincial level will become part of Team Ontario and will advance to the Skills National Finals held this year in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Media interested in attending the Skills Challenge are asked to contact Andrew Korchok, communications consultant, at [email protected] to arrange a time and location.
Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.
The District School Board of Niagara (DSBN) is the largest public school board in Niagara. The DSBN serves over 36,000 elementary and secondary students in elementary and secondary schools across the Niagara region. The Board is guided by its strategic plan, entitled "I Matter," which outlines the DSBN's commitment to ensuring all students have the individual support and encouragement they need to become successful in school. For more information, visit dsbn.org.
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Media inquiries, please contact:
Andrew Korchok
Communications Consultant
Office: 905 641-2252 ext. 7430
Cell: 905 329-1642
Michael Wales
Manager, Communications
Office: 905.735.2211 ext. 7773
Cell: 905.328.4101
Brett Sweeney
Communications Officer
District School Board of Niagara
Office: 905-641-1550 ext. 54106
Cell: 905-328-3470
