Skills British Columbia is an annual event where students compete in over 30 categories in the skilled trades. This year, on April 16, 2025, held at the Abbotsford Trade and Exhibition Centre, VSB students performed exceptionally well, with 24 participants showcasing their talents in 14 categories.

First-time competitor Brookelyn from Windermere Secondary was inspired by what they saw. "I am in awe of everything going on here. There is a bit of everything from baking to technology like animation, and even carpentry, welding and car repair. I’m just impressed by the diversity of skills. The perception of skilled trades needs to change as there are such great job opportunities. They pay well and are in high demand."

An essential component of learning a trade is also learning to communicate effectively, whether it is giving clear instructions, communicating safe practices or providing and receiving feedback. Several categories in the skills competition focused on communication competency, such as public speaking, job skills demonstration and workplace safety.

Brookelyn shared their experience in the public speaking category.

Congratulations to all student participants.  Here are some outstanding results!

Automotive Service 

GOLD                    Evan Hallam – Magee

*Gabriel Rizzo, Britannia AST graduate received GOLD in the Post-Secondary competition

Baking 
GOLD                    Elli Kotanen – Templeton 

Fashion Technology
GOLD                    Dhefen Goh – Eric Hamber 
SILVER                  Ashley Cheung – Eric Hamber  

IT Networking 
SILVER                  Stuart Haw – Killarney
BRONZE               Ollie Mills – Killarney

Job Skill Demonstration 
GOLD                    Logan Hagel-Noel – John Oliver 
SILVER                  Makena We – Eric Hamber 
BRONZE               Eliot Scott-Flagel – Tupper  

Public Speaking 
BRONZE               Brookelyn Holden-Goldsmith – Windermere

 Video Production 
GOLD                    Quinn Arrowsmith & Mina Barnes-Tehrani – Templeton (repeat winners) 

Workplace Safety
GOLD                    Eliot Wang – John Oliver 
SILVER                  Kessem Keidar – Killarney

Outdoor Power and Recreational Equipment
Liam Burns – King George
Only competitor; automatic advance to Skills Canada National Competition