Grey-Bruce Students in the Spotlight at Regional Technological Skills Challenge 2026
The 2026 Challenge featured over 50 students from six schools facing off at Sydenham Campus, Georgian College, and OSDSS for a chance to compete provincially.
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Secondary students in skilled trades programs from Bluewater District School Board and Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board convened in Owen Sound on Friday, February 27 to display their technical prowess for a chance to compete provincially.
Hosted annually by the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), the 2026 Regional Technological Skills Challenge featured over 50 students from six schools facing off in the categories of Precision Machining, Electrical, Carpentry – Team of Two, Hairstyling, and Welding.
Competitions were held once again at Sydenham Campus, Georgian College, and Owen Sound District Secondary School, and were facilitated by local industry judges, who graded competitors based on sector-specific criteria.
The top three students/teams from each category are as follows:
Precision Machining
1. Evan McLaughlin – John Diefenbaker Senior School
2. Hunter Forester – John Diefenbaker Senior School
3. Jerry Val – John Diefenbaker Senior School
Electrical
1. William Strueber – Sacred Heart High School
2. Reegan Schiestel – Sacred Heart High School
3. Brooke Thompson – Grey Highlands Secondary School
Carpentry – Team of Two
1. Jacob Conoway and Ethan Dippel – Sacred Heart High School
2. Tyson Strutt and Dallas Lougheed – Grey Highlands Secondary School
3. Nathan Graf and Jackson Squire – Grey Highlands Secondary School
Hairstyling
1. Connor Adams – Owen Sound District Secondary School
2. Nieva Newfield – Owen Sound District Secondary School
3. Monica Hines-Stoneleigh – Owen Sound District Secondary School
Welding
1. Ryan Barnes – John Diefenbaker Senior School
2. Graydon Younghusband – Owen Sound District Secondary School
3. Noah Reay – Sacred Heart High School
The top three Welding students from each board will move on to the 2026 Skills Ontario Qualifying Competitions in Barrie on Saturday, April 11.
In addition to those listed above, Christian Yensen of John Diefenbaker Senior School, and Kaleb Brindley and Bryce Bull, both of Sacred Heart High School, have also qualified to advance in Welding.
The first-place finishers in the remaining categories will advance directly to the 2026 Skills Ontario Competition on May 4 and 5 in Toronto.
Congratulations and good luck wishes are extended to all those moving on to the next round of competition. Each and every student who participated in this year’s event is commended for bringing their A-game and stepping up to the challenge to showcase their abilities.
There was also plenty of learning throughout the day for the participating technology teachers and other board staff, who enjoyed a tour of the Hobart Canada facility in Owen Sound. It was an opportunity to learn about Hobart’s processes and career pathways as a leading supplier of equipment for the foodservice industry.
Thanks are extended to this year’s partners and donors, including Huronia Welding and Industrial Supplies, Farlow’s Home Hardware, and Scott’s Industrial & Farm Supplies Inc.
The day would not have been possible without the support of Georgian College, Sydenham Campus, and Owen Sound District Secondary School, who once again offered their facilities and helpful staff.
Appreciation also goes out to the judges, technology teachers and other board staff, and OYAP, all of whom contributed to another outstanding day that showcased the depth of local student talent in the skilled trades.
All text and images submitted by the Bluewater District School Board.
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