ONTARIO STUDENTS TEST COLLISION REPAIR SKILLS AT PROVINCIAL COMPETITION
Autobody repair and automotive painting students from across the province put their skills to the test this week at the Skills Ontario Competition, completing timed, hands-on challenges in front of industry judges, educators and thousands of spectators.
Roughly 40,000 visitors passed through the competition venue in a single day as employers, suppliers and schools observed students tackling real-world repair and refinishing tasks designed to mirror modern shop conditions.
In the autobody repair competition, 12 students completed six hours of work beginning at 8 a.m. following a brief orientation, according to Bill Speed, Skills Canada autobody chair. “Most of these students haven’t even had the opportunity to touch this equipment before,” Speed said.
Competitors were evaluated across four core modules reflecting modern repair practices, with a total possible score of 1,000 points. The largest portion of the event focused on a structural sectioning project requiring students to complete MIG welding and adhesive bonding while following precise measurement and sectioning points.
Safety standards remained a major focus, with competitors required to wear approved personal protective equipment and demonstrate competency with tools and welding systems. Vehicles used during the competition are later scrapped, with disposal handled by Standard Auto Wreckers.
For some competitors and volunteers, the event represented a full-circle moment. “It’s cool to see this competition from the spectator side,” said Ethan Almeida, last year’s gold medallist in autobody repair who will represent Canada at WorldSkills. “It’s surreal to see other young techs where I was a year ago.”
Speed said the competition floor also gives students direct access to industry employers and mentors.
“All of the judges are respected industry workers, all of the banners are here and recruiting,” he said. “Catherine, my former student, was here years ago and there were judges giving her business cards while she was still in high school.” That former student, Catherine Mathewson, returned this year as a judge in the automotive painting competition.
The two-day automotive painting event featured 10 students —- four secondary and six post-secondary —- completing bumper repair and refinishing exercises using industry-standard processes and equipment supported by Axalta and SATA systems.
College competitors refinished bumpers repaired on the first day, while secondary students completed both repair and paint work. Tasks included following technical data sheets, applying primer sealer, basecoat and clear coat systems, mixing paint materials and completing spray-out and polishing exercises.
Students were also assessed on colour matching, blending techniques, spray gun setup and the safe handling of refinishing materials and equipment.
“It’s very refreshing to see young people that are still engaged in trades and competing to be the best,” said Todd Marshall, business development specialist at SATA, who volunteered at the event.
Competitors said Skills Ontario also helps raise awareness about careers in the trades.
“I think it’s important for the young generation to get back to the trades,” said Peyton Miller-Plante, a Grade 12 student with the Simcoe County District School Board.
“I started painting in Grade 10, and was offered a position in Skills Ontario. In Grade 11 I got second place and then hopefully I’ll be winning this year.”
Industry organizations also used the event to connect with students. Fix Network hosted interactive activities, including a “name the car part” challenge where students could win a pizza party for their class.
“Fix loves the opportunity to be at events like Skills,” said Marissa Beattie. “It’s great to interact with students and bring awareness to the automotive industry — and to have fun while we do it.”
Top finishers from the provincial competition are expected to advance to the Skills Canada National Competition later this month, where students will compete against peers from across the country for the opportunity to represent Canada internationally.
