Horticulture Industries Students Go for Gold at Nationals

Posted on Friday, May 24th, 2019

Skills Canada National CompetitionTwo Algonquin College students from the Horticulture Industries program, Blaise Mombourquette and Thomas Hawley, are heading back to the Skills Canada National Competition in Halifax, N.S. The competition takes place over two days and commences on May 28th, 2019.

The Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) is the sole national, multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices in the country. More than 550 competitors from various regions across Canada participate in over 40 skilled trade and technology competitions each year.

As for the actual competition, teams participating in Horticulture and Landscape only learn of their challenge the night before. A plan is given to each team that includes requirements for the competition. This has typically consisted of a hardscape (a walkway or patio feature in stone or interlock), a wood feature (a deck or arbor benches), walls (stone or interlock material), planting, and potential water feature and lighting components.

The first day of the competition is focused on technique, and whether the teams have followed the correct specifications. The second day is focused on the team’s accuracy, and specific dimensions. Although there is a small allowance on how close the dimensions are to the plan, a score of zero is given if it is exceeded.

The final score is 65 to 70 per cent objective, consisting of actual measurements and technique, and the remaining 30 per cent is creative. On top of it all, the competition is timed, and speed is important as there is less time allotted during the national competition.

The duo placed second at Skills Canada National Competition in 2018, only a single point behind the first place finishers. Thomas and Blaise hope to improve on last year’s performance to become national champions. With graduation happening this spring, the last chance for a golden moment for the Horticulture Industries students is in Halifax.

To follow along with Thomas and Blaise at the Skills Canada National Competition, follow us on Twitter!

To learn more about the 25th Skills Canada National Competition, see here.

 


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