Autobody repair and automotive painting competitions were underway this week at the Skills Ontario Competition, where students from across the province completed timed, hands-on challenges in front of industry judges and spectators.
About 40,000 visitors passed through the venue in a single day as employers, suppliers and educators observed competitors working through tasks designed to reflect real shop conditions.
In the autobody repair competition, 12 students completed six hours of work beginning at 8 a.m. after 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.
Participants were evaluated on structural and cosmetic repairs under the supervision of industry judges. Vehicles used in the competition are later scrapped, with Standard Auto Wreckers handling disposal.
For some competitors, the event is part of a longer pathway in the skilled trades.
“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 presence of industry on the floor reinforces that connection.
“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 student, Catherine Mathewson, returned this year as a judge in the automotive painting competition.
The two-day painting competition featured 10 students -- four secondary and six post-secondary -- completing bumper repair and refinishing tasks using industry-standard processes.
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 and base and clear coats and mixing base coat materials inside a full spray booth equipped with SATA systems, with support from Axalta.
“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 was volunteering.
Student competitors said events like Skills Ontario help raise awareness of career opportunities in the trades.
“I think it’s important for the young generation to get back to the trades,” said Peyton Miller-Plante, a competitor and 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.”
“I always loved nice paint jobs on cars, started practicing in Grade 9, got fourth place last year and this year I’m hoping to make it to the podium,” added Cash Hartin, a competitor and grade 11 student with the Trillium Lakelands District School Board.
Industry organizations also used the event to connect with students, including Fix Network, which hosted interactive activities on site like a “name the car part” activity giving students the chance to 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.”
Winners will be announced May 6, 2026. Gold medallists will advance to the Skills Canada National Competition on May 28 and 29, 2026, where top students from across the country compete and may be selected to represent Canada at the international WorldSkills competition.
