Trades and technology will be center stage this month as Skills Canada Alberta and Medicine Hat College (MHC) prepare to host the South East Alberta Regional Skills Competition (SEASkills) on Apr. 19, 2024.
The skills competition includes over 80 high school students from across the region competing in automobile tech, baking, cabinet making, carpentry, culinary arts, hairstyling (junior and intermediate), video production and welding. The top two competitors from each category will advance on to the Provincial Skills Canada Alberta Competition in Edmonton on May 8 - 9, 2024.
"It's really exciting to have the competition at MHC to showcase the amazing talent of southeastern Alberta. These competitors will go on to represent our region at provincials, and even at national and international levels," says Jessica Hirsekorn, skills coordinator for the SEASkills Competition.
She adds that the work involved is significant, as is the reward.
"The competitors and coaches invest so much time and effort to make sure they're prepared to compete. The whole experience is incredibly valuable as students take what they learn in the classroom, apply those hand skills in competition and receive recognition for their abilities."
Most events will take place at MHC from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., with baking and culinary events hosted by McCoy and Medicine Hat High Schools. The award ceremony will take place at the college after competitions are completed.