Fresh off finishing first at the Skills Alberta Provincial Competition in Edmonton, 3rd-year apprentice James Wilson traveled with Team Alberta to the Skills Canada National Competition in Quebec City - and came home with another gold medal.
"I don't think I can put the feeling I had into words," says Wilson, heavy equipment technician apprentice. "I was sitting with Team Alberta as the judges announced the winners of bronze and silver, and I had been hoping I might win one of those. They rattled off New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and I thought I didn't win anything. And then they just said Alberta. James Wilson. Gold.' I tell you, I just about fell out of my chair. Team Alberta was cheering like crazy. It was an awesome experience."
Wilson, from Bonnyville, Alta., competed in the Heavy Vehicle Technology category May 30 and 31, demonstrating skills learned on the job and in apprenticeship training at Lakeland College, including troubleshooting hydraulic, electrical, steering and engine systems. The tasks he was assigned were similar in scope to those he had mastered for the Skills Alberta Competition, but this time, at a new level of difficulty.
"We are incredibly proud of James for winning gold at Nationals," says Dave King, dean of trades and technology at Lakeland. "His achievement is a testament to the high-quality education and training our apprentices receive at Lakeland. This accolade underscores the dedication and hard work of both our students and educators. I appreciate James' employer, MPI Oilfield, for allowing him to take time for this life changing opportunity. Without the added support of employers, this doesn't happen. We look forward to seeing James continue to excel in his career and now he has the distinction of being a national champion in his chosen trade."
Wilson's instructor Pete Ling accompanied him to Quebec City, supporting him during the competition, and Wilson returned the favour by using his fluency in French to assist with taxis and menu translation. Wilson's employer, MPI Oilfield, also supported him financially.
"Anyone who has the opportunity to compete for Skills Alberta and Skills Canada, I highly recommend they do it. It's one heck of an experience," Wilson says. "It's like nothing you'll ever do in your entire life when it comes to the trade you're in and what you're doing for work. Thank you to Lakeland for recommending I go and for getting me outside of my comfort zone."
This is the second consecutive year that an apprentice from Lakeland has won gold at the Skills Canada National Competition. Last year in Winnipeg, carpenter apprentice Tyler Bendfeld also won gold, and this year, he attended the event as a mentor for Team Alberta.
