Students from the Black Gold School Division achieved a clean sweep at the recent provincial skills competition in Edmonton, taking all three podium spots in the precision machining category. The event, held at the Edmonton EXPO Centre on May 6-7, 2026, saw 13 local students demonstrate their expertise alongside peers from across the province.
Among those leading the way is Adam Peterson, a student at Calmar Secondary Collegiate School, who secured first place in precision machining. Peterson, who previously earned national gold in 2024, will now head to Toronto to represent Alberta at the Skills Canada National Competition on May 28-29, 2026.
The success of the local team is supported by recent upgrades to regional training facilities. In January 2026, Calmar Secondary Collegiate School opened a 5,000-square-foot trades addition. This $3.5 million project, funded by the Alberta government, provides students with access to industry-standard equipment and hands-on training.
Darren Roth, who has taught machining and career and technology studies for 28 years at the school, noted that the training is directly preparing students for a high-demand job market. As the province faces a significant shortage of skilled trades workers, Roth said that businesses are effectively lining up to hire these students as soon as they complete their training.
The Black Gold School Division, which serves the Leduc area and several neighbouring municipalities, continues to emphasize these programs as vital pathways to career opportunities for local youth. By training with modern tools, students are positioning themselves to help fill the thousands of new apprentice and journeyperson roles required across Alberta.
