THUNDER BAY, ON, May 12, 2016 – Jaidan Tout and Zach Lang each took home an important win at the Ontario Technological Skills Competition that took place at RIM Park in Waterloo last week.
The competition welcomed over 2,000 participants across more than 67 trade contest areas. Tout placed second in the Computer Aided Manufacturing division, while Lang placed second in the Aircraft Maintenance division, each earning a silver medal.
“It was an honour just to compete, so to earn second place was shocking at first,” said Tout. “They stepped up the difficulty level this year so it was pretty nerve-wracking when the competition started, but I took the extra time to calm myself down and develop a plan of how to manufacture the product.”
Tout credits Confederation College for setting him up for success. “Confederation College and my program helped me to develop my ability to break down projects into sections and develop a plan of attack, so I was well prepared. Competing was a really rewarding experience.”
In the Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) division, Tout was judged and marked on his ability to manufacture a part from a detailed drawing using CAM software and proper tools. He demonstrated his proficiency in design modelling, metal cutting theory and tool cutting paths, as well as his knowledge of cutters and CNC machines.
Tout is graduating from the three-year Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering Technology advanced diploma program this year. He looks forward to entering the workforce, focusing on his interests of precision machining and tool-path writing.
Another Aerospace Manufacturing student, second-year Jesse Osadec competed in the Precision Machining division.
Their professor, Ted Post, who accompanied the pair, offered his congratulations to both students. “Jaidan and Jesse were incredible representatives of Confederation College.
They both show great ambition and are outstanding in their field. I know they will be very successful in their future careers.”
Confederation’s second silver medalist, Zach Lang was grateful for the competition experience and his medal.
“It was difficult as I hadn’t done some tasks before and of course there are time restrictions, but it was awesome to compete and to place second. I’ve had a lot of fun in my program at Confederation.
"The teachers are great and I’ve enjoyed making connections with them and the students.”
In the Aircraft Maintenance division, Lang was judged and marked on his demonstration of the knowledge and skills required to maintain and troubleshoot aircraft, aircraft engines and aircraft systems. The tasks ranged from written exams and a job interview to aircraft repair projects.
Lang is graduating from the two-year Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance diploma program and plans to pursue an apprenticeship to work towards his Aircraft Maintenance License.
Fellow student Michael Burke competed alongside Lang, both competitors supported and accompanied by Professor John Grandell. Grandell shared his pride over the success of both of his students.
“Mike and Zach put all they had into this competition. They performed like seasoned professionals and I am very proud of both of them. They are both gold medalists in my eyes.”
