Fanshawe Student Wins at National Skills Competition

Silver Medalist Joel Foster is from Clifford, Ontario

Fanshawe College has a top-three medalist from the Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) in Quebec City on June 4, 2011. Third-year Architectural Technology student Joel Foster (left) was presented with a silver medal for his work in the twelve-hour Architectural Design competition.

The event, held at the Centre de Foires over two days beginning Thursday, June 2, saw Joel competing against six other students from across Canada. Joel earned his place at the SCNC by previously winning gold at the Ontario Technological Skills Competition held in Waterloo in early May.

Saskatchewan competitor Weston Dennis took gold. Initial scoring for the competition resulted in a tie for gold, requiring judges to re-evaluate both entries, awarding Joel his second-place win by a narrow margin. Manitoba contestant Jesse Reimer received bronze.

"Joel handled the competition in a professional and organized manner, which came through with his winning result," said Gary Gerard, Coordinator of the Architectural Technology program at Fanshawe College. "We were excited to have had the result we had, especially for our first time ever competing.”

Joel credits his Fanshawe training for his success.

"I would like to thank Fanshawe College and the Faculty of Building Technology," he said. "Without them I would not be where I am today. I would also like to thank my advisor Gary Gerard for his support, his knowledge, and for pushing me into the student that I am today."

Started in 1994, SCNC is the only event of its kind in Canada, challenging young students and apprentices throughout the country to compete in Olympic-style, multi-trade and technology tournaments. The competition provides an opportunity for young Canadians studying a skilled trade or technology to be tested against exacting standards and against their peers from across the nation.

These competitions add value to a student’s workforce preparation precisely because of their hands-on nature and industry connections, according to Girard.

"Competing in Skills Canada has been a great opportunity for both Joel and Fanshawe."

Fanshawe College congratulates Joel on his outstanding achievement!