In the final year of apprenticeship training at Medicine Hat College (MHC), Euan Mackinnon completed his program on a high-note with a gold medal win at the Skills Canada competition held May 31, 2024.
A member of Team Alberta for the second consecutive year, Mackinnon travelled to Quebec to demonstrate his skills at the two-day competition where he was challenged to read drawings, thread tube and pipe and test his instrumentation ability to complete a 12-hour project.
"It's pretty special," says Mackinnon of his experience. "It's cool to actually win something that was just me and all dependent on my performance."
MHC instructor, Chad Baron, has been Mackinnon's coach since he began competing in Skills in 2023. While Mackinnon placed fourth in last year's competition, Baron attributes the apprentice's work ethic, ability to learn from his mistakes, and an additional year of experience as key factors to his success.
"We game planned from last year and understood where he needed to get better and he did it," says Baron. "He put a lot of effort in, working during the week and practicing up on weekends."
In addition to receiving the highest achievement possible at the Skills Canada competition, Mackinnon was also recognized for the team spirit award for the second time, with his leadership playing an integral role in building excitement for the members of Team Alberta.
"When we got into the welcome reception, everybody was quiet and huddled with the people they knew from the flight or from their college. As soon as they started the team chant, I jumped on my buddy's shoulders and I had the flags and all of a sudden everybody was into it," says Mackinnon, who adds that the team comradery helped him to build friendships with apprentices from across Alberta and Canada.
Mackinnon expresses his gratitude for the support he received from his coach in helping him to reach his goal.
"I am extremely thankful for everyone involved. It's a one-person medal, but I definitely would not have gotten it without the people in my corner."
Mackinnon's sights are now set on completing his journeyman certification for steamfitter/pipefitter. He also plans to return to Skills Alberta in the future as an alumni and a coach.
