Canada’s top apprentices in five trades descended on Ottawa for the 27^th annual National Apprenticeship Competition (NAC), September 12 to 14.

The nearly 40 third- and fourth-year competitors began their competitions with a three-hour written exam on September 12. Two intense days of practical competition followed. As the apprentices worked away at their various projects, nearly 700 students from Ottawa-area high schools had the opportunity to tour the show floor, and see for themselves just how complex and rewarding skilled trades work can be.

“The NAC is a great vehicle to educate others regarding the diversity of our trade and reinforce that the trades are a viable, lucrative and exciting career choice,” says Stacey Kerr, director of Local 93 of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America, which hosted this year’s competition. “It showcases the top apprentices across the country.”

And the winners are…

Competition winners included several from Ontario-based locals. The full details are below.

Carpentry

1st — Levon Lacoste, Yukon Local 2499
2nd — Simon Williams, New Brunswick Local 1386
3rd — Jean Samuel Dubreil, Quebec Local 134

Scaffolding

1st — Dave Hutchinson, BC Local 1370
2nd — Chris Keno, Manitoba Local 343
3rd — Joshua King, Saskatchewan Local 1985

Flooring

1st — Geoff Roberts, BC Local 1541
2nd — Ben Lavoie, Ontario Local 93
3rd — Ken McBrine, Ontario Local 27

Interior systems

1st — Justin Nelson, Ontario Local 18
2nd — Henry Wall, Ontario Local 494
3rd — Jamie Ralph, Local 579

Millwrights

1st — Andy Williston, New Brunswick Local 2262
2nd — Kristie Latta, Manitoba 1443
3rd — Heather Ferguson, Ontario Local 1410