With precision and skill executed while on a deadline, Dylan Waddell’s complex woodworking project recently earned him gold medal recognition on a provincial stage.
The Fleming College carpentry student, along with four of his peers, were recognized at the recent 2025 Skills Ontario Competition, which is an annual competition that brings together the province’s most skilled secondary and post-secondary students to compete in a range of hands-on challenges.
Held from May 5 and 6 at the Toronto Congress Centre with medals awarded on May 7, the competition showcased the students’ exceptional talent and dedication across multiple skilled trades and technology categories.
In Waddell’s case, his project involved interpreting technical drawings, cutting and assembling components, and producing a functional structure with accurate measurements and high-quality craftsmanship.
“In the carpentry individual challenge, our gold-medal-winning student Dylan demonstrated exceptional precision and skill while completing a complex woodworking project under strict time constraints,” Dr. Theresa Knott, acting co-president of Fleming College, shared with kawarthaNOW.
“It was a rigorous test of both technical ability and attention to detail and Dylan rose to the challenge with confidence and professionalism.”
From this year’s event, Fleming students brought home a total of seven medals — five gold and two bronze.
“Fleming College is proud of all 17 of our student competitors,” Knott said. “From our medal winners to the displays of effort and skill by all participants, their performances not only reflect their hard work and talent, but also the strong support they receive from their Fleming mentors.”
Knott said the results highlight the calibre of applied learning at Fleming and the dedication its students bring to their chosen fields.
Fleming’s gold medal winners were Dylan Waddell (Carpentry), Shane Loranger (Welding), Paul Grosse (Restaurant Service), Aeden Ball (Cybersecurity), and Liam Deneve (Arborist), with bronze medals awarded to Gavin O’Rourke (Carpentry) and Cory Hughes (Heating Systems Technician).
Both Waddell and Loranger qualified to compete at the Skills Canada national competition to be held on May 29 and 30 in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Knott said the Skills Ontario experience offers students a valuable opportunity to apply their learning in a competitive, high-pressure environment while connecting with peers and industry professionals from across the province.
Meanwhile, for Fleming College, “it’s a chance to showcase the essential role publicly funded colleges play in delivering hands-on, skills-based education,” Knott said.
“Events like this highlight how experiential learning — the kind delivered in college classrooms, labs, and shops — builds the strong foundation students need for career success.”
In addition to the students’ achievements, Fleming College received the “Best Large Booth” award at the Skills Ontario Competition, which acknowledges the college’s creativity, enthusiasm, and presentation.
