By Kendall Robertson

Regional Skills Competition Underway At CNC

Jan 17, 2018 | 12:11 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — Nearly 200 students in elementary, secondary, and post-secondary have taken over CNC’s campus this afternoon to participate in Skills Canada and Trades Day. Students are competing in the third annual regional competition, in many different categories. Everything from welding, carpentry, and culinary arts are being put to the test today. The winners of each category will go on to the provincial competition in April. The culinary students have been given three hours to complete several gourmet items. The goal is for students to get through the competition without wasting food while working under pressure, and of course, presenting a tasty dish.

“It’s nice to see the next generation of cooks that are coming into Prince George and to give them critique and guide them along,” said judge, Brian Quarmby.

While the goal is to make it to provincials, participating in the competition helps the students experience what it’s like in a real kitchen. “They realize, nervousness doesn’t do anything for you, it slows you down,” said Professional Cooking instructor, Ron Christian, “when you go into a big kitchen you’re serving 20 people or 600 people, this is so important… If you keep your cool, the rest of your staff keeps cool.”

Competitions in welding, cabinetmaking, carpentry, robotics, heavy mechanical trades, and automotive service also took place this afternoon.