On February 27, 2026, more than 50 secondary students from the Bluewater District School Board and the Bruce-Grey Catholic District School Board gathered in Owen Sound, Ontario, to compete in a regional trades competition. The Regional Technological Skills Challenge allowed local youth to show off their talents in areas like construction, hairstyling, and welding to help them prepare for future careers.
Students from Owen Sound District Secondary School swept the podium in the hairstyling category. Connor Adams earned first place, followed by Nieva Newfield in second and Monica Hines-Stoneleigh in third. Additionally, Graydon Younghusband from the same school took home second place in the welding competition.
The event was held across three sites in the city, including the Sydenham Campus, Georgian College, and the local Owen Sound high school. Students from six different area schools participated in categories that included precision machining, electrical work, and carpentry.
First-place finishers in most categories will now advance to the provincial skills competition in Toronto on May 4 and May 5, 2026. The top three welding students from each board also earned a spot in a qualifying event in Barrie on April 11, 2026.
During the competition, teachers and school board staff took a tour of the Hobart Canada facility in Owen Sound. The visit gave educators a chance to learn about equipment used in the food service industry and the different career paths available for their students in the community.
