Graduating student Jake Boekestyn in NC’s Welding Technician program showed his true mettle in the provincial competition, winning gold in welding. This May, Boekestyn of Niagara-on-the-Lake will forge ahead to the Skills Canada National Competition in Vancouver joining top competitors from across the country.
“This is a tremendous accomplishment for Jake. On behalf of the School of Trades at Niagara College, we wish him congratulations and are thrilled to see him compete in the upcoming Canada-wide competition,” said Jeff Murrell, associate dean, School of Trades.
Boekestyn was tasked with two simultaneous welding projects using a variety of materials – including mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum – and welding processes he learned in the program.
Boekestyn perfecting his skills ahead of the Skills Canada National Competition, May 25 to 28, where he will represent Niagara College.
“Competing in the day long competition was fun for me. I liked the whole process of fabricating and welding the projects,” said Boekestyn, who explained that his NC program prepared him with the ability to weld using different processes and positions. “I benefitted from the support of my instructors so much from the excellent tips and tricks that made fabricating and welding faster and more precise.”
The competition followed months of preparation, training, and coaching with faculty in NC’s School of Trades. The welders received support and mentorship from professor Vic Barker, welding labs technician Bob Lukacs, and program coordinator Brendan Ryan.
Boekestyn was one of two NC competitors – the other being second year Welding Technician student Ian Mehlenbacher – to take on the seven-hour welding challenge. Mehlenbacher also did an outstanding job, plaplaced fourth at Skills Ontario.
“The maturity and resiliency of our students was second to none,” said Ryan, who explained that competitors had to commit to an intense training schedule including weekends for three months, all while juggling the demands of their full-time program.
Boekestyn feels honoured to compete at nations with the support of friends, family and NC faculty and leveraging his experience working with a metal artist and a stair and railing company.
“It helps me bring the art out in the structures I build, and also the ability to turn drawings into three-dimensional objects,” he said.
Boekestyn will fly to Vancouver on May 23 to compete, in person, against Canada’s top student welders.
Third place for Carpentry student Scott Sparks
Carpentry and Renovation Technician student Scott Sparks placed third in the carpentry competition. Sparks has completed his final term in the program.
“We couldn’t be prouder of Scott,” said program coordinator, Annette Dearling-Manchester. “Not only did he win at Skills Ontario but he has been an outstanding student.”
