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.