The Cariboo Regional Skills Canada Competition held at Thompson Rivers University on March 4 produced a gold and silver medal for two Barriere Secondary School teams.
In the Junior Skills Competition Gravity Vehicle Race the gold medal team winners from Barriere were the Boss Racing Team, made up of Braeden Chambers, Alex McDonald, and Brycen Chambers. Silver medal team winners were Drew Johnson and Connor Booth.
The three member gold medal ‘Boss’ team were then invited to participate at the “Skills BC Competition” with their gravity racing car.
A gravity-powered vehicle can only be powered by gravity (weights) and cannot use any other energy source such as elastics, springs, explosives, etc. The car was completely built to competition standards by the team, using their own creative design and incorporating an aerodynamic teardrop shape, low profile body to reduce air flow, drag, and reduce friction. The boys used teamwork and ingenuity as they crafted the wooden body, and made the custom wheels and bearings.
As a result of their gold medal success the Boss Racing Team travelled to the Provincial Skills BC Competition held in the Abbotsford Tradex, on April 20.
They joined hundreds of students who had also advanced from regional competitions around the province, the annual event pitted secondary school students (as well as post secondary students in separate competitions) against each other in competitions in some 23 disciplines in skilled trades and technologies. The competition is the largest showcase of trade and technology occupations in the province.
The Boss Team made a good showing during the competition, and although they did not qualify to compete in the National Canada Competition they have returned home with a bronze medal for their efforts. All three boys say it would not have been possible without the great support they received from their families and team sponsors, from Barriere, to Little Fort, and to Clearwater.
Skills/Compétences Canada (S/CC) is a national, not-for-profit organization that works with employers, educators, labour groups and governments to promote skilled trades and technology careers among Canadian youth. The unique position among private and public sector partners enables Skills Canada to work toward securing Canada’s future skilled labour needs while helping our youth to discover rewarding careers.
There are Skills Canada competitions at different levels. Students start at the regional level then progress to the Provincial level, then National level and finally the International level.
Regional, Provincial and National Skills Canada competitions are held every year and the International Skills competition is every two years.