Confederation College Silver at Ontario Technical Skills Competition
THUNDER BAY – LIVING – Don Mills took home an important win at the Ontario Technological Skills Competition that took place at RIM Park in Waterloo last week. The competition welcomed over 1,900 participants across more than 65 trade contest areas. Mills placed second in the Aircraft Maintenance division, earning a silver medal.
Mills, who is graduating from the two-year Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance program this year, was excited to compete and even more excited to bring home a medal. His parents were in attendance to cheer him on and watch him receive his medal at the awards ceremony.
“Working with my professors before the competition really helped me to feel prepared,” said Mills. “We went over multiple scenarios of what I might come across and we practiced a lot. The competition ended up being a really good challenge. I was proud to earn second place among so many great competitors.”
Mills’ Professor, Daniel Greer, who accompanied him to the competition, shared his pride over his student’s success. “Don earned this win with a lot of hard work and we couldn’t be more thrilled for him. This recognition not only validates Don’s efforts, but also shows other students what you can accomplish with our program, faculty and staff behind you.”
To win, Mills was judged and marked on his completion of a number of tasks including:
- Completing an electrical connector project,
- completing a sheet metal project,
- completing a piston engine magneto timing project (ensures spark plugs fire at the correct time in the operation of the engine),
- finishing a written test on weight and balance,
- finishing a written test on Canadian Aviation Regulations, and
- submitting his resume and participating in a short interview performed by a Human Resources expert.
Mills competed alongside fellow student Brent Berube and for the first time, students from the three-year Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering Technology program competed as well. Accompanied by Professor Ted Post, students Brooke Cousineau and Jordan Kamerman competed in the Precision Machining division, Meagan Gawley competed in the CNC Programming division and Sebastian Brown competed in the CAD Mechanical Design division.
“We in the School of Aviation are very proud of all of our competing students for conducting themselves professionally throughout the competition and being incredible representatives of Confederation College,” said Greer.
