COLLEGE OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC
CNA students excel in provincial skills competitions

Nearly 400 secondary and post-secondary students from throughout the province competed in Skills Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador provincial competitions this week, putting their capabilities to the test in 40 areas of intense competition.

Students from College of the North Atlantic (CNA) dominated the medal podium, with gold medal winners moving on to represent the province at the Skills Canada National Competition in Quebec City this May.

"Over the years, our Annual Skilled Career Day has provided countless young people in our province with the opportunity to showcase their unique skill sets and to learn more about the diverse career options in the skilled trades and technologies," said Gavin Toole, Chair of Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador. "We take great pride in the immense success of this event and anticipate it every year. We are so thrilled with our 2024 Team Newfoundland and Labrador, and cannot wait to see them put their skills to the test at Nationals in May!"

It's an excitement shared by CNA President and CEO, Elizabeth Kidd.

"Congratulations to every student who participated in this year's Skilled Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador competition," Kidd said. "Your hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm have demonstrated your skills and brought great pride to CNA. You are shining examples of what can be achieved through hands-on learning and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As you progress in your studies and careers, the skills you gain through your courage to compete will be the foundation of your future success. You are all winners in my eyes."

This year's CNA medalists include:

Gold

• Yakshini Bhardwaj - Electronics
• Blake Burton - Car Painting
• Justin Burton - Automotive Tech
• Morgan Colbourne - Welding
• Spencer Conrad and Wayne Myrick - Mechatronics
• Adam Downey - Autobody Repair
• Maegan Jenkins - Cooking
• Claire Legrow - Architectural Technology and Design
• Jacob Moores - Heavy Vehicle Technician
• Nakita Morris - Graphic Design
• Devin Owens - Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
• David Parsons - IT Office Software
• Nathan Paul - Outdoor Power
• Mackenzie Peddle - Photography
• Ryan Penney - Precision Machining
• Mason Power - Industrial Control
• Roshawn Roache - IT Network Systems
• Julia Rose - Electrical Installations
• Angelic Scott - Baking

CBDC's The Pitch contest took place during the provincial competition and was also won by CNA students, Andrew Mosher and Ryan Whalen.

Silver

• Liam Billard - Electronics
• Kayla Brake - IT Office Software
• Ethan Collins - Welding
• Mason Hurley and Mackenzie Hurley - Mechatronics
• Noah Jackman - Graphic Design
• Jacob Lawrence - Heavy Vehicle Technician
• Zachary LeDrew - IT Network Systems Administration
• William (Cody) March - Steamfitter/Pipefitter
• Matthew Moakler - Precision Machining
• Bradley Owens - Architectural Technology and Design
• Zach Penney - Automobile Technology
• Noah Roff - Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
• Michael Somerton - Autobody Repair
• Lucas Stagg - Carpentry

Bronze

• Ian Jackman - Welding
• Colin Kean - Architectural Technology and Design
• Daniel Kerrivan-Parsons - Automobile Technology
• Laura King - Autobody Repair
• Jesse Martin - Precision Machining
• Adjere-Tauna Oghenebrume - Electronics
• Tania Rahman - IT Office Software
• Mark Rowsell - Heavy Vehicle Technician
• Drew Ryall and Aurelien Tsonwang - Mechatronics
• Kate Sheppard - Graphic Design
• Robert Swain - IT Network Systems Administration

Maegan Jenkins was one of CNA's gold medalists, earning her win in the Cooking competition. It's her second year competing and, while she was nervous last year, this time around she felt calm and confident.

"Cooking is such an art," she said. "I like to say that I'm an artist and food is my paint! I love to have fun with what I'm creating. It is hard to stay true to detail when under pressure, but luckily, it's what I get to do every day! So through my work experience, and my practice, it helped me be able to work under that pressure and to stay focused."

Jenkins said she enjoyed every step of the way to her gold medal, and recognizes the high stakes competition is great experience for the demanding industry she's chosen.

"Through all the ups and downs, I like to say the skills road is the hardest, yet best road," she said. "It teaches you so much, but this time around I had so much fun with it! I had a plan, stuck to it, and had the most fun during the competition. Through the support of my chefs from school and work, they've reminded me that when you set your mind to something, you can achieve your dreams!"

To watch the full awards ceremony, visit Skills Canada Provincial Competition Medal Presentation.

For an inspiring look at what this year's winners can expect at the national competition, visit CNA Currents | High stakes at strenuous Skills Canada-NL competitions.