CENTENNIAL STRIKES GOLD AT SKILLS ONTARIO
The winners of the 2025 Skills Ontario auto painting and auto body competitions have been announced.
Centennial College student Ethan A. claimed the gold medal in the post-secondary autobody competition. Fanshawe College students Joe B. And Jorgen B. won the silver and bronze medals, respectively.
Halton District School Board student Jacob B. secured victory in the secondary schoollevel event. Silver was claimed by Gibson B., a student from the Trillium Lakeland District School Board, and the bronze by Shayla C. of the Limestone District School Board.
“The level of competition was impressive — the top four spots in both events were incredibly close. It was also great to see such strong support from our judges, many of whom have already committed to returning next year,” said Bill Speed, a veteran auto body and auto painting educator who served as a judge in the auto painting category. “Their enthusiasm matched that of the competitors!” Centennial also claimed victory in the auto painting competition for post-secondary students. Gold medalist Shelvin R. shared the podium with silver medalist and Algonquin College student Hailey R. and bronze medalist Mira A., also of Centennial.
In the secondary school category, gold was claimed by Sabina A. of Halton District School Board, while silver was awarded to Peyton M.P. of the Simcoe District School Board and bronze to Amanda N. of the Limestone District School Board.
“We’re still looking to grow engagement between local shops and high schools to help showcase the positive side of our industry,” added Speed. “Events like this are key to encouraging more students to explore careers in the skilled trades.”
“The competitors were well versed in the scope of repair procedures, completing the structural repair aspect in great time allowing additional time for the cosmetic finesse,” said Jean Marc-Julien, a collision instructor at the Canadian Collision Repair Academy, and judge of the aluminum welding portion of the competition.
“These students are our future and it is important for all in the repair space to educate and capture potential future technicians and incentives the skills participants to continue their paths to a great career.”
The winners of Skills Ontario’s events will go on to compete at Skills Canada’s national event.
