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At the Skills Ontario gala on Friday, March 27, Mr. Mike McClements, Executive Dean at Conestoga College, and Dr. John Strasser, President of St. Clair College, were inducted into The Klaus Woerner Skilled Trades Hall of Fame Awards, honouring individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of skilled trades and technologies.
Mr. McClements has been involved in Skills Ontario competitions since 1990, and has supported and encouraged the Conestoga team of faculty advisors, staff, and student competitors to success and medals in regional, provincial, national, and world competitions.
Dr. Strasser has more than 30 years’ experience as a senior business executive, technical manager, research scientist, university lecturer and has been recognized for his contribution to the minerals industry in Canada with an induction as a Fellow of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum.
David Weatherhead of Centennial College was recognized with the Glenn Beatty Volunteer Award. David has volunteered as an Auto Service Technical Committee Chair for four years, Workshop Leader, Judge at the Skills Canada National Competition, Boat Race Judge and is always incredibly helpful.
In addition, the Ontarian members of the WorldSkills Team Canada 2015 members were introduced at the gala. Headed to Sao Paulo, Brazil for the WorldSkills Competition 2015 in August are:
Philip Bélanger, École Secondaire Catholique de Hearst
Robotics
2014 OTSC Gold Medallist
2014 SCNC Gold Medallist
Philip comes from Hearst, a town on the Trans-Canada Highway in the heart of Northern Ontario. He joins WorldSkills Team Canada 2015 as a competitor in his beloved discipline of Robotics. Working in this field, Bélanger hopes to invent and create a product that will be used by all. When not planning his next robotic invention, Bélanger likes to jump on an ATV and hit the trails.
Ryan Green, Centennial College
Heavy Equipment Service
2014 OTSC Gold Medallist
2014 SCNC Gold Medallist
“Big equipment has always had my attention,” says Ryan Green from Bowmanville, Ontario. Green was first inspired to compete in WorldSkills back in grade 10 when he witnessed the competition at the provincial level. Now 21, he joins WorldSkills Team Canada 2015 in the area of Heavy Equipment Service.
Kaitlyn Hoiles, St. Lawrence College
Aesthetics
2014 OTSC Gold Medallist
2014 SCNC Gold Medallist
The need to feed her creativity in esthetics led Kingston’s Kaitlyn Hoiles to attend St. Lawrence College. At age three, her mother would act as her subject for makeovers. “I made my mother look like a clown,” Hoiles laughs. “It took [her] quite a while before she would entrust me with another makeover.” Now 19 years old, Hoiles is a Beauty Therapist. As a member of WorldSkills Team Canada 2015, she seeks to not only achieve a medal, but looks to gain more experience and exposure in São Paulo.
Winston Lord, Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning
Electronics
2014 OTSC Silver Medallist
2014 SCNC Silver Medallist
Winston from Mississauga has what he calls a “fixation” with electronics. But his obsession is not the only reason he entered the field of Electronics Engineering. “From what I have found trade jobs are more stable in a changing economy,” says Lord. The same sharp skills he hones in electronics carries over to his musical talent. A former DJ, Lord also has a passion for mastering songs.
Tyler Magri, Georgian College
CNC Machining
2014 SCNC Bronze Medallist
Tyler from Innisfil, Ontario, attended Georgian College to feed his love for hands-on learning. “I find that I can learn faster if I understand the principles behind the operation,” says Magri. He joins WorldSkills Team Canada 2015 as CNC Machinist after achieving high marks in the CNC precision skills program. While he might not boast about it, Magri held a title of highest overall grade at Georgian College. What’s next for Magri? “Become an apprentice and get my license,” he says.
Maxime Marineau, École Secondaire Catholique de Hearst (now attending Cambrian College)
Robotics
2011 OTSC Gold Medallist
2011 SCNC Bronze Medallist
2012 OTSC Bronze Medallist
2013 OTSC Gold Medallist
2013 SCNC Silver Medallist
2014 OTSC Gold Medallist
2014 SCNC Gold Medallist
Maxime is one of two competitors from the town of Hearst, in the heart of Northern Ontario. Like his town‐mate, he too is at the top of his game in Robotics. Marineau chose the trade for the diversity of skills he gains from it. “The Robotics trade taught me about each and every trade and increased my abilities in fabrication.” This is just the beginning for the 19‐year-old Martineau. “My career goals are to first begin as an Industrial Electrician and continue my studies to pursue my career as an electrical engineer.”
