Southeast Alberta skills competition returning to MHC

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on April 11, 2024.

Trades and technology will be on full display at Medicine Hat College next week.

The college, in partnership with Skills Canada Alberta, will host the South East Alberta Regional Skills Competition on April 19.

The skills competition will feature more than 80 high school students from around the region competing in automobile tech, baking, cabinet making, culinary arts, hairstyling (junior and intermediate), video production and welding.

The top two competitors from each category will advance to the provincial skills competition in Edmonton May 8-9.

“It’s really exciting to have the competition at MHC to showcase the amazing talent of southeastern Alberta,” Jessica Hirsekorn, skills co-ordinator for the SEASkills Competition, said in a release. “These competitors will go on to represent our region at provincials, and even at national and international levels.”

Hirsekorn says the work involved to host the event is as significant as the rewards are for winners.

“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. to 3 p.m., with baking and culinary hosted by Monsignor McCoy and Medicine Hat high schools.

The award ceremony will take place at the college after competitions are completed.