The Alberta Skills Competition is an exciting event that brings together skilled individuals from various trades and technologies.
To comprehensively understand this event, let's look at the setup, competition days, and the crucial roles volunteers play.
Days before, a dedicated team begins the arduous task of setting up the competition area. This includes arranging barriers, ensuring electrical and air connections are in place, and bringing in a range of machines such as manual mills, lathes, and CNC mills. These machines are then meticulously assembled and tested to ensure they function correctly. Each competitor is assigned a specific area equipped with a machine, measuring tools, cutting tools, and drawings. Each area is set up the same to ensure fair and equal competition for all participants.
Day 1:
On the first day, volunteers and Provincial Technical Committee (PTC) members arrive early to prepare for the event. Competitors join in the morning for orientation, receiving a run-down of safety guidelines, competition rules, and schedule. The competition officially starts at 9:00 am, with participants divided into Precision Machining and CNC Machining. Each category is staggered, with half on the mills and the other half on the lathes. At noon, a well-deserved lunch break allows everyone to recharge before the afternoon session. The event resumes at 1:00 pm and concludes at 4:00 pm, marking the end of the first part of the competition.
Day 2:
The second day follows a similar structure to the previous day, with one significant change - participants switch from lathe to mill tasks, or vice versa, from what they did the day prior. The competition ends at 4:00 pm, and participants submit their projects for judging. The judges then meticulously inspect each project.
Volunteers play an integral role in ensuring the success of the Alberta Skills Competition. The judges, including Zander De Leeuw and Martin Chalk from Argus, are tasked with inspecting and judging each project piece submitted by the competitors. Their role demands attention to detail, consistency, and impartial judgment to ensure fairness in the evaluation process.
The PTC consists of representatives from institutions like the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), and industry professionals. The PTC is responsible for project creation, exam development, logistics, and overall event management. This committee included Argus' Lee Blakley. Lee's role included the selection of judges and assessing the competition for improvements. This ensures competitors are prepared for national and international competitions. He also helped competitors if they had concerns regarding rules and assumed the safety officer role.
The Alberta Skills Competition is a remarkable event showcasing individuals' talent and expertise in various trades and technologies. The event represents a culmination of hard work, dedication, and passion. The volunteers, including judges and the Provincial Technical Committee, play crucial roles in ensuring the smooth execution of the event. Through their efforts, the Alberta Skills Competition continues to thrive, inspiring participants, promoting excellence, and shaping the future of skilled trades in the province.
To find out more about the Alberta Skills Competition, visit the official website: https://www.skillscompetencescanada.com/en/provincial-and-territorial-competitions/
Coralie Lozinski, Customer Service Administrator
Alberta Skills Competition
