British Columbia swept the top spots in autobody repair at the 2026 Skills Canada National Competition, with Vladyslav Usach winning gold in the post-secondary division and Sy Korf earning gold in the secondary competition.
The national event challenged competitors through a series of hands-on collision repair tasks designed to mirror the work performed in modern autobody facilities. Over 12 hours, students were tested on door skin replacement, panel sectioning, dent repair, damage analysis and welding procedures.
Competitors in both divisions were required to remove damaged vehicle panels, take precise measurements, analyze collision damage and determine appropriate repair procedures. They also had to mark and create cut lines, prepare and install replacement panels and demonstrate proficiency with a variety of welding techniques used throughout the collision repair industry.
One of the competition's most heavily weighted components was a sectioning project, where contestants joined replacement panels using fastening methods such as plug welding, resistance spot welding and adhesive bonding. Participants were also evaluated on aluminum and steel dent repair techniques, as well as aluminum and silicon bronze welding.
The sectioning project accounted for 40 percent of the overall score, while the door skin project represented 20 percent. Additional marks were awarded for dent repair, measuring and damage analysis, and welding performance.
Skills Canada's autobody repair competition is designed to assess the practical skills and technical knowledge required in today's collision repair sector, with competitors demonstrating their abilities across a range of repair and replacement procedures commonly performed in professional shops.
Autobody Repair medalists
Post-secondary
Gold: Vladyslav Usach, British Columbia
Silver: Matthew Blagdon, Newfoundland and Labrador
Bronze: Mathieu Lalonde, Quebec
Secondary
Gold: Sy Korf, British Columbia
Silver: Marlow Temple, Alberta
Bronze: Parker Martin, Manitoba
