Skills Ontario is applauding Team Canada after an impressive showing of skills in the trades and technologies at the WorldSkills Competition, which wrapped up Sunday, Sept. 15th in Lyon, France with the official Closing Ceremonies. 

Team Canada earned two bronze medals in Welding and Automotive Technology, showcasing the nation’s expertise and dedication to skills development. In addition to these medal wins, eight Canadian competitors received Medallions for Excellence, including competitors Dillon Kong and Paxton Coghlin from Ontario.

The Medallions for Excellence are awarded to those who achieved scores of 700 points or higher in their respective competitions. This distinction highlights their mastery and precision, placing them among the top competitors in the world.

“We are incredibly proud of all our competitors, including three from Ontario: Dillon Kong and Paxton Coghlin representing Humber Polytechnic in Mechatronics, and Ethan McCallum from Georgian College in CNC Milling,” said Ian Howcroft, CEO of Skills Ontario. “Their dedication, hard work, and passion for their respective fields reflect the strength and future potential of Canada’s skilled trades sector.”

WorldSkills is the largest vocational skills competition globally, bringing together talented young professionals from across the world to compete in various trades and technologies. The competition aims to inspire excellence, drive innovation, and promote careers in skilled trades. At WorldSkills Lyon 2024, approximately 1,400 competitors from over 70 Member countries and regions competed in 59 Skill Areas for the prestigious title of world champion in their respective trade. The 48th WorldSkills Competition will take place in Shanghai, China in 2028.

Team Canada had 28 competitors attend the WorldSkills Competition across 26 Skill Areas, against the best in the world.

• Ben Rainforth, Welding (Alberta)
• Anthony Minotti, Automotive Technology (Québec)

• Paxton Coghlin and Dillon Kong, Mechatronics (Ontario)
• Sergio Khoueiry, Mechanical Engineering CAD (Québec)
• Émille Robitaille, Aircraft Maintenance (Québec)
• Angie (Yi) Zhang, Fashion Technology (British Columbia)
• Yin Tzu Lan, Pâtisserie and Confectionery (Alberta)
• Olivia Sewell, Cooking (Nova Scotia)
• Catharine Findlay, Hairdressing (Québec)

A huge congratulations from Skills Ontario to all the Canadian competitors and those from around the world. Their performance not only highlights their personal achievements but also serves as an inspiration for future generations to pursue excellence in skilled trades and technologies.

Their achievements are also a representative of their trainers and the Team Canada Experts, who dedicate and volunteer their time and expertise to assist in training our Ontario and Canadian youth. Thank you to the following representatives:

• Jurgen Hierholzer, CNC Milling (Georgian College)
• Bill Speed, Autobody Repair (Road Appraiser)
• Rene Letoile, Bricklaying (Conestoga College)
• Joshua Hamilton, Mechatronics (Conestoga College)
• Louis Anderson, Aircraft Maintenance (CAE)
• Angelo Spano, Heavy Equipment Technology (Centennial College)
• Martin Restoule, Automobile Technology (Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology)
• Jeremy Braithwaite, Mechanical Engineering CAD (Loyalist College)

• Mechatronics, Nickolas de Boer and Anthony Nyman (Humber Polytechnic)
• CNC Milling, Brett Austin (Georgian College) 

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