Durham College (DC) announced today that four of its students were among the big winners at this week’s Ontario Technological Skills Competition (OTSC), picking up two gold medals, a silver and a bronze in the Horticulture, Computer/IT and Carpentry categories. The event, which was held in Waterloo, Ontario, is sponsored by Skills Ontario, a non-profit organization that promotes the skilled trades as a first-choice career option for the province’s young people.

Jamie Marangon and Zachary Slaughter, both in their second year of the two-year Horticulture Technician program, won gold in the Horticulture and Landscape category. Together they beat out several teams for the top prize in constructing a garden based on plans and criteria provided to them during the competition.

“Once again, Durham College students have shown that they can compete with the best and come out on top, thanks to the high-quality training they receive here at DC combined with their dedication to their studies,” said Susan Todd, executive dean of the School of Science & Engineering Technology at Durham College. “On behalf of the entire DC community, I would like to recognize all of our participating students for their hard work and congratulate Jamie and Zachary on their tremendous success.” 

Congratulations are also in order for DC students Bryan Chamberlain and Sam Phillips. Chamberlain, a graduating student in the three-year Computer Systems Technology program, won a silver medal for the second consecutive year in the IT Network and Systems Administration category.  For his part, Phillips, a second-year student in Construction Carpentry – Sustainable, picked up a bronze in the Carpentry category

“Winning two medals in two years is quite an accomplishment,” said Judy Spring, executive dean of DC’s School of Business, IT & Management. “We’re very proud of Bryan for representing DC so successfully at this competition.”

Marangon and Slaughter will now take part in the Skills Canada competition, taking place from Sunday, June 5 to Wednesday, June 8 in Moncton, New Brunswick. Overall, 16 DC students put their skills to the test in this week’s OTSC event in various categories, including auto service technology, carpentry, heating system technician, plumbing and welding. The competition gives students the chance to compete against their peers, while also demonstrating that skilled trades are an accessible, interesting and enjoyable career option.