BRITISH COLUMBIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
BCIT students win medals at Skills Canada BC 2025

Congratulations to all BCIT students who participated in the 2025 Skills Canada British Columbia (SCBC) Competition. Students from the School of Construction and the Environment, School of Energy, and School of Transportation competed against peers from post-secondary institutes across the province and proudly secured top three finishes across 10 major categories. In total, BCIT students earned 23 medals, including seven gold, eight silver, and seven bronze.

The annual SCBC competition provides an opportunity for students studying a skilled trade or technology in BC to put their skills to the test against their peers. This year's competition welcomed close to 500 competitors across 60 leading trades and technology areas. Gold medalists will proceed onto the 2025 National Skills Canada Competition in Regina, Saskatchewan from May 28-31.

Skilled trades professionals are essential to shaping the future of BC - and the demand for their expertise continues to grow. With 1.12 million job openings expected in BC over the next decade (2024-2034), trades is one of five occupational groups that will account for nearly 80% of these job openings.

As the largest provider of trades training in Western Canada, BCIT is proud of the exceptional achievements of all participating students. Their success at Skills Canada BC reflects the relevant, hands-on training delivered by passionate instructors who bring extensive industry experience into every learning environment.

"The Skills Canada BC competitions is truly a showcase of the skills and energy of the upcoming workforce," shares Bill Nash, Department Head, BCIT Cabinetmaking (Joinery). "I am proud of all competitors for showcasing their skills."

Amanda Koehler, Department Head, BCIT Motorcycle, shares similar sentiments, "The event was a great success, showcasing the incredible talent and hands-on expertise our students bring to the trades."

With BCIT students taking home gold, silver, and bronze medals in the CNC Machining category, Stefano Pettenon, Department Head, BCIT Machinist/CNC Machining, says, "We are proud that our students have taken the top spots in Precision Machining, and representing us at Nationals, yet again."

Cabinetmaking (Joinery) and Motorcycle and Power Equipment are among several of the competing categories where BCIT students swept the podium, earning gold, silver, and bronze medals.

"This year's Cabinetmaking competition featured some truly impressive participants at both the secondary and post-secondary levels," shares Bill. "I'm always inspired by what these skilled craftspeople can accomplish in such a short amount of time - and at such a high level of excellence."

"A big congratulations to all the BCIT participants in this year's Skills BC Motorcycle Technician competition," says Amanda.

Bill adds, "Before the competition even began, I made a point to congratulate all the competitors. Whether they earned their spot by winning their Regional competition or were hand-selected to compete, it's a remarkable achievement."

For students like Motorcycle and Power Equipment Gold medalist Camila Lobos, this year's competition exemplifies determination and growth. "After earning bronze last year and being the only competitor who was able to attend Nationals, Camila came back stronger than ever to take gold at the Provincial competition this year," shares Amanda. "Now, she's headed back to Nationals with her eyes on the top spot."

Congratulations to everyone involved!