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Local student wins bronze medal at national skills competition

Jun 14, 2018 | 2:00 PM

For Cam Taylor the opportunity to represent his home province at a prestigious event like the 2018 Skills Canada National Competition was pretty special, and it became even more so when he stood on the podium and receive a bronze medal for his work in carpentry.

The Grade 11 student from North Battleford Comprehensive High School travelled to Edmonton and competed in the nation-wide event June 3-6. The competition drew more than 500 young people from all regions of Canada, along with their parents and advisors, to compete in over 40 trade and technology fields.

“I was definitely thrilled to medal at this year’s event,” Taylor said. “There was some great competition in Edmonton, and to be a part of it was very exciting.”

During the competition Taylor constructed a playhouse which finished third in the competition behind entries from Alberta and Quebec. Even at a very young age, the teenager said he always had an appreciation of carpentry.

“I’ve always enjoyed woodworking and, over the course of the last few years, I have been fortunate to learn from many great people,” he added. “It’s that kind of guidance that helped me to the podium.”

Taylor is no stranger to podium finishes in carpentry, having won gold medals in the provincial skills competition.

“I learned a lot from participating in the provincials the last couple of years,” he said. “That really set the tone for this year’s competition.”

While still unsure what his future plans will be after he graduates from high school next year, Taylor said he believes a hands-on trade such as carpentry or plumbing will likely be involved.

 

roger.white@jpbg.ca

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