Centennial College has once again demonstrated its excellence in skilled trades and technologies education by winning The College Award of Distinction at the 2024 Skills Ontario Competition. This marks the sixth consecutive year the college has received this recognition, which is awarded to the institution with the highest overall performance based on competitor scores exceeding 60 percent and securing a top 10 finish in their respective contests.
This year, 80 students from Centennial College participated in 33 competitions, ultimately winning 21 medals: three gold, nine silver, and nine bronze. Competitors represented a variety of disciplines, including auto collision repair and graphic design, with participation from several of the college’s schools, such as the School of Communications, Media, Arts, and Design; the School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science; the School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts; and the School of Transportation.
Marilyn Herie, Vice President, Academic and Chief Learning Officer at Centennial College, expressed pride in the students’ achievements. “As an institution committed to excellence in skilled trades and technologies education, Centennial College is proud to watch our students go on to showcase their incredible talents and win big in the Skills Ontario Competition,” Herie stated. She also acknowledged the contributions of faculty and staff, adding, “Team Centennial’s consistent results and success would not be possible without the dedicated faculty and staff who support our students and volunteer their time. To everyone involved, I offer my congratulations and gratitude.”
The gold medallists from Centennial College are Darren Bergado (Automation and Control), Adam Duguay (Heavy Equipment Service), and Chau Ciang Liang Huang and Andrea del Pilar Ramirez Garcia (Renewable Energies – Team). Bergado and Duguay are eligible to advance to the Skills Canada National Competition, which will take place from May 29 to June 1 in Quebec City.
The Skills Ontario Competition, now in its 35th year, promotes careers in skilled trades and technologies by bringing students together for annual contests.
About Centennial College
Founded in 1966, Centennial College is Ontario’s first public college. It primarily serves the eastern part of the Greater Toronto Area, operating five campuses and two satellite locations. Known for its innovative teaching, creative curriculum, and extensive partnerships, Centennial College educates over 40,000 full-time and part-time students from more than 130 countries annually. The college offers over 400 diploma, certificate, and degree programs in various fields, including business, media, arts, community and consumer services, engineering technology, health care, and transportation.