Lakeland apprentice wins national gold for Team Alberta

Fresh off finishing first at the Skills Alberta Provincial Competition in Edmonton, 3rd-year apprentice  James Wilson traveled with Team Alberta to the Skills Canada National Competition in Quebec City – and came home with another gold medal. 

“I don’t think I can put the feeling I had into words,” says Wilson, heavy equipment technician apprentice. “I was sitting with Team Alberta as the judges announced the winners of bronze and silver, and I had been hoping I might win one of those. They rattled off New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and I thought I didn’t win anything. And then they just said  ‘Alberta. James Wilson. Gold.’ I tell you, I just about fell out of my chair. Team Alberta was cheering like crazy. It was an awesome experience.” 

Wilson, from Bonnyville, AB competed in the Heavy Vehicle Technology category May 30 and 31. He demonstrated skills learned on the job and in apprenticeship training at Lakeland College, including troubleshooting hydraulic, electrical, steering, and engine systems. The tasks he was assigned were similar in scope to those he had mastered for the Skills Alberta Competition, but at a new level of difficulty this time. 

“We are incredibly proud of James for winning gold at Nationals,” says Dave King, dean of trades and technology at  Lakeland. “His achievement is a testament to the high-quality education and training our apprentices receive at  Lakeland. This accolade underscores our students’ and educators’ dedication and hard work. I appreciate  James’ employer, MPI Oilfield, for allowing him to take time for this life changing opportunity. Without the added support of employers, this doesn’t happen. We look forward to seeing James continue to excel in his career and now  he has the distinction of being a national champion in his chosen trade.” 

Wilson’s instructor, Pete Ling, accompanied him to Quebec City and supported him during the competition. Wilson returned the favour by using his fluency in French to assist with taxis and menu translation. Wilson’s employer, MPI  Oilfield, also supported him financially. 

“Anyone who has the opportunity to compete for Skills Alberta and Skills Canada, I highly recommend they do it. It’s one heck of an experience,” Wilson says. “It’s like nothing you’ll ever do in your entire life when it comes to the trade  you’re in and what you’re doing for work. Thank you to Lakeland for recommending I go and for getting me outside of  my comfort zone.” 

This is the second consecutive year that an apprentice from Lakeland has won gold at the Skills Canada National  Competition. Last year in Winnipeg, carpenter apprentice Tyler Bendfeld also won gold, and this year, he attended the event as a mentor for Team Alberta.