Two Loyalist College students earned silver medals at the 2026 Skills Ontario Competition last week, demonstrating their industry-ready expertise alongside top post-secondary competitors from across the province.
Held May 4 – 5 at the Toronto Congress Centre, the Skills Ontario Competition brought together more than 2,000 students to compete in over 75 skilled trades and technology contests. The annual event gives elementary, secondary, post-secondary and apprenticeship students the opportunity to test their skills in timed, industry-based challenges and qualify for advancement to the Skills Canada National Competition.
This year, 13 competitors represented Loyalist College across skilled trades and technology categories, supported by faculty coaches and officials from the School of Applied Sciences, Skills and Technology and the School of Business and Creative Industries.
Loyalist student Emily Desjardins earned a silver medal in the Metal Fabricator – Fitter category. Recognized by her professors as a class leader who is committed to quality work, high standards and supporting her peers, Emily was coached by faculty members John Grieve and Emma Holdbeck.
“Winning a silver medal at Skills Ontario was an incredible experience and something I’m really proud of,” said Desjardins. “The competition pushed me out of my comfort zone, tested my skills under pressure and showed me how much I’ve grown as a welder. I’m grateful to John Grieve and Emma Holdbeck for their guidance, encouragement and belief in me. Their support helped me build the confidence to compete and succeed.”
Britton Creasy earned silver in Computer Aided Manufacturing. Faculty coaches noted that Britton dedicated significant time to independent practice, often arriving early to use the Mechatronics lab before the day’s training began. He was coached by faculty members Rob Dickson and Dave Daley.
“My program and coach really helped prepare me for what I experienced at Skills Ontario,” said Creasy. “When there was a challenge, I knew how to work through it, and that made a big difference. I’d encourage any student thinking about competing to do it; seeing so many different skills and trades in one place is an amazing experience, and you can really learn from it.”
Both Desjardins and Creasy completed their programs in April and will graduate this June.
The Skills Ontario Competition challenges students to perform in demanding, time-sensitive environments, while applying the technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities and professional standards required in their fields. Competitors complete tasks that reflect real workplace expectations, with many contest details remaining confidential until the challenge begins.
“I’m incredibly proud of our students, faculty coaches and officials for the way they represented Loyalist at Skills Ontario,” said Matthew Ayres, Dean of the School of Applied Sciences, Skills and Technology at Loyalist College. “Competitions like this require significant preparation, much of it outside regular class time. Emily and Britton’s silver medals reflect their talent and discipline, as well as the mentorship, encouragement and technical expertise behind them.”
“At Loyalist, we are focused on preparing graduates with the practical skills, confidence and adaptability needed to contribute to Ontario’s workforce,” said Mark Kirkpatrick, President and CEO of Loyalist College. “Advanced manufacturing is essential to the province’s economic future, and Loyalist students are developing the technical skills employers need to build, maintain and strengthen that capacity in this region. We congratulate Emily, Britton and every member of Team Loyalist on their achievements at Skills Ontario.”
