Algonquin College learners earn top honours at 2026 Skills Ontario Competition

Posted on Wednesday, May 6th, 2026

Gold medal winner at the Skills Ontario Competition.

OTTAWA, May 6, 2026 — Learners from Algonquin College delivered an impressive performance at the 2026 Skills Ontario Competition, held May 4-5 in Toronto, earning a total of three gold, three silver and four bronze medals across a wide range of skilled trade and technology categories.

A team of 28 students represented the College, trained by a team of dedicated faculty coaches and competing in disciplines spanning carpentry, automotive service, cybersecurity, aircraft maintenance and more. Their success highlights the strength of Algonquin College’s polytechnic approach, where hands-on, industry-aligned learning prepares graduates to excel in real-world environments.

The Skills Ontario Competition is the province’s largest skilled trades and technology event, bringing together top students from across Ontario to compete in rigorous, industry-standard challenges. Algonquin College has a strong tradition of success at the competition, consistently earning podium finishes across multiple disciplines.

“Skills Ontario provides an exceptional opportunity for our learners to demonstrate their technical expertise, creativity, and problem-solving abilities under pressure,” said Katherine Root, Dean, Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence. “Their achievements are a direct reflection of the quality of our programs and the dedication of our faculty and staff in preparing learners for meaningful careers.”

The medal winners are as follows:

  • Alisha Haaksman, Auto Paint, Gold
  • Ben Holland, Truck and Coach, Gold
  • Tom Hoy, IT Network Systems Administration, Gold
  • Ben Huyck, Auto Collison, Silver
  • Elijah VanDyk, Auto Service Technology, Silver
  • Ryder Rose, Architectural Technology and Design, Silver
  • James Moore Ede, Truck and Coach, Bronze
  • Mateo Guitard, Cabinetmaking, Bronze
  • Owen Lloyd and Nathan Law, GIS, Bronze
  • Wolfgang Colomb, Architectural Technology and Design, Bronze

Beyond medal success, the competition offers learners valuable exposure to industry expectations, helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and workplace performance. Top competitors may go on to represent Ontario at the Skills Canada National Competition, with the potential to advance to the WorldSkills Competition on the global stage.

Special thanks to the Algonquin College team lead sponsors, Tony Graham Automotive Group and RoJo Construction Management Inc., as well as additional sponsors Linde Canada, Magellan Aerospace — Haley, Barrhaven Ford, Brampton Brick, RMA+SH Architects, PCL Construction and Graebeck Construction Ltd.

The College congratulates all participants for their commitment, professionalism and outstanding representation of what it means to be an Algonquin College learner.


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