CONESTOGA COLLEGE
Conestoga student earns bronze at national skills competition

Conestoga Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (Apprenticeship) student Chris Ferri earned a bronze medal in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning at the 2025 Skills Canada National Competition. 

Conestoga student Chris Ferri (left) earned a bronze medal in Refrigeration & Air Conditioning at the 2025 Skills Canada National Competition. Photo: Skills/Compétences Canada

Hosted annually, the competition is the only multi-trade and technology event of its kind for young students and apprentices in the country. This year, the event welcomed more than 500 participants from across Canada to Regina, Saskatchewan, from May 29-30 to compete for the title of national champion in over 40 skills areas.

Approximately 250 medals were awarded at the closing ceremony on May 31 to top competitors representing transportation, construction, manufacturing and engineering, information technology, services, and employment sectors. Competitors were evaluated based on strict industry standards and competed against the best in Canada.

"The Skills Canada National Competition connects us with the next generation of skilled professionals, showcasing the vast opportunities in skilled trades and technologies," said Shaun Thorson, chief executive officer, Skills/Compétences Canada, in a press release. "Through hands-on activities, students can explore exciting, in-demand career paths."

Ferri advanced to the national competition after placing first in Refrigeration at the Skills Ontario Competition in early May in Toronto, where Conestoga students were awarded 16 medals in 14 categories, representing programs from the schools of Applied Computer Science & Information Technology, Engineering & Technology, Hospitality & Culinary Arts and Trades & Apprenticeship. Conestoga's gold medallists in Baking, Cabinetmaking, Precision Machining and Refrigeration were eligible to join Team Ontario at the national competition.

Founded in 1989, Skills/Compétences Canada is a national, not-for-profit organization working with employers, educators, labour groups and governments to promote skilled trades and technology careers among Canadian youth. 

Conestoga is a provincial leader in the delivery of skilled trades and apprenticeship training to serve industry needs and the growing community. Comprehensive programming includes a wide range of programs that provide pathways to employment in trades careers as well as pre-apprenticeship training and in-school training for apprentices. For more information, visit the School of Trades and Apprenticeship.