Two Lakeland students came home with some hardware from the 2019 Alberta Provincial Skills Canada Competition. The PSCC spotlights talented students across the province in competitions pertaining to their career path.
Automotive service technician apprentices Derek Haggart and Braden Hunka brought back a silver and bronze medal, respectively, to Lloydminster on May 9th. Haggart is no stranger to the podium, last year he won bronze and received the 2017 Provincial Safety Award in the same category.
Dean of trades and technology Dave King believes having Lakeland compete at the PSCC shows the dedication of the staff and school has towards the students’ futures.
“Even if they don’t medal they’re still successful because they can put that on their resumes. For Lakeland College, we post our medal winners on our walls in our hallways so their names are there for the rest of the term of the college. It’s a big deal for them when they come back.”
Along with producing talent at a post-secondary level, Lakeland hosts a regional competition bringing in high school students from different communities such as Vegreville, Camrose, and Kitscoty. King says the college has a partnership with the local high schools offering workshops at the trade centre.
“It’s important for our college to have that good relationship with schools because we’re a post-secondary institution that offers a lot of training these students want to do.”
In total, Lakeland sent 10 students to compete at provincials in professions such as carpentry, hairstyling, and heavy equipment services. Haggart and Hunka weren’t the only ones to receive recognition as three Lakeland students received 2019 Provincial Safety Awards. hairstylist Tianna Todd, esthetician Bethany Brown, and automotive service technician Adam Benson were recognized for their common safety practices.