Chilliwack Secondary Students Earn Medals at Regional Skills Competition

Students in the Chilliwack School District are exploring careers in the skilled trades and technology sector. Most recently, secondary students competed against other students in the Upper Fraser Valley at the Regional Skills Competition. 

In February, 22 students from the district participated in the competition at the University of the Fraser Valley’s Chilliwack Trades & Technology Campus. They competed in Architectural CAD, Automotive Service, Construction Electrical, Mechanical CAD, and Welding. 

Chilliwack School District Results

Automotive service 1 - Zachary Dickey - Gold medal

Automotive service - Josh Dekker - Bronze medal

Drafting - Mechanical - Paolo Chirico - Gold medal 

Drafting - Mechanical - Alex Hooker - Silver medal 

Drafting - Architectural - Muhammed Hassan- Silver medal 

Drafting - Architectural - Bree Sawer - Bronze medal

Welding - Kody Harbarenko - Bronze medal

Students who received Gold in their discipline are eligible to participate in the provincial competitions in Abbotsford on April 15th, 2026.  

“Skilled trades are critical to British Columbia because they power the province's economy, infrastructure, and essential services," said Heather Elliott, Acting Vice Principal of Career Education. “With over 100,000 job openings expected in the next decade, competitions like these raise the profile of skilled trades in our province and get students engaged and excited about entering the field.” 

The Career Education department offers opportunities for secondary students to take pre-apprenticeship training that provides them with dual credit for secondary school courses and apprenticeship or industry training programs. Students may also apply for on-the-job training as a youth apprentice. 

Learn more about trades opportunities in the Chilliwack School District: https://careereducation.sd33.bc.ca/.

Learn more about Skills Canada BC: https://skillscanada.bc.ca/.