High school students from across Niagara put their talents to the test in March as Niagara College welcomed hundreds of aspiring skilled trades and technology professionals to its campuses for two major skills competitions.
On March 2, students from the Niagara Catholic District School Board gathered for the Niagara Catholic 2026 Technology Skills Competition. Hosted at Niagara College, the event featured welding and automotive competitions at the College’s Welland Campus and baking and culinary challenges at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Students demonstrated precision, creativity and technical expertise in real-world learning environments designed to mirror industry settings.
Just two days later, on March 4, more than 300 students from the District School Board of Niagara took part in the board’s 28th annual Technological Skills Challenge, also hosted by Niagara College. Students from 16 DSBN secondary schools competed at the Welland Campus and the Daniel J. Patterson Campus, showcasing their abilities in more than 30 skill areas.
A student from the DSBN participates in a skills challenge at the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
From 3D character animation and coding to culinary arts, hairstyling and welding, the competitions highlighted the technical, creative and practical skills students have been developing in their classrooms. Events took place in the College’s state-of-the-art labs, kitchens and shops, giving participants the opportunity to test their skills using professional-grade equipment.
Niagara College staff and faculty from the Schools of Trades, Technology, Media, Culinary Arts, and Environment and Horticulture worked closely with the school boards to administer the challenges and provided participants with constructive feedback designed to help them refine their techniques and better prepare for future careers in the skilled trades and technology sectors. By tackling industry-related projects and adhering to real-world standards, students gained valuable insight into potential career pathways.
For Niagara College, hosting events like these is about more than competition, it’s about inspiring and creating opportunity.
“Welcoming secondary school students to our campuses for skills competitions is incredibly important,” said Duane Bender, Dean, Media, Trades and Technology at Niagara College. “It gives the next generation a chance to experience hands-on learning in a real college environment, work with industry-standard equipment, and connect with mentors who can help shape their future pathways. We’re proud to support and celebrate their talents.”
By opening its doors to both the Niagara Catholic School Board and the District School Board of Niagara, Niagara College continues to play a key role in fostering the region’s future workforce while empowering students to explore their passions, sharpen their skills, and take confident steps toward careers in the skilled trades and technology sectors.
