Chinook High School graduate Tate McGarry is a national champion once again.
At the Skills Canada National Competition 2025 in Regina, held May 29-30, McGarry took first place in the Post-Secondary Level Cabinetmaking category. He also took top spot in Canada last year at the high school level, when he represented Chinook High School.
"This year, the project was different," said McGarry. "I'm at the college level this time too, so they make a bit more difficult. This year we built a campaign table. The biggest challenge was the base on the stand, because it had some more complicated joints."
It was a hectic rush to complete the project, according to McGarry, who ultimately defeated challengers from British Columbia and Quebec to earn top spot.
"Time wise, we had 12 hours over two days," he said. "There was lots of pressure because I was trying to do good work in a short amount of time. Also, I was going against the best in all the other provinces, so that definitely adds to it."
McGarry advanced through the Lethbridge School Division Registered Apprenticeship Program, as he has honed his skills at Fuzo Woodworks and Design here in Lethbridge.
"Fuzo has taught me the majority of the skills I know and used during that competition," he said. "Another big thing I learned at Fuzo was how to think. I've learned to have some patience when I'm working and a process when working on projects."
With another national title in his back pocket, McGarry now begins preparation for worlds, set for September of 2026 in Shanghai.
"What I'm most excited about with China is the training that comes before," he said. "What I'll learn in the next year is where the real value is at."
McGarry added preparations for China will be intense.
"I'm excited to represent my country in cabinet making," he said. "I think that's a big deal. Training wise, I'm going to train as much as I can, and as hard as I can. The goal of this would be to feel prepared when I go, so I can do the best I'm able to."
The Chinook grad is currently studying cabinetmaking at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. McGarry will finish his first year in May, and will head back in November for his second year.
June 15, 2025
