SLC Students Win Big at Provincial Skills Competition

St. Lawrence College (SLC) is proud to announce that three of its students have earned medals at the Skills Ontario competition held May 5-7, 2025, in Toronto.  SLC was represented by a total of 11 student competitors across various technical disciplines, demonstrating the SLC’s commitment to excellence in skilled trades and technology education. 

Pictured in the header photo are: Left to right: Aidan Wornes, Associate Dean, School of Skilled Trades; Student Ayyoub Oukkaha; Ziad Ewais, Professor, Computer Systems Technician 

Ayyoub Oukkaha captured Gold in Web Design and Development, while Garrett Johnson and Ty Slemin each claimed Silver medals in Masonry and Precision Machining, respectively. Ty has been selected to represent Ontario at the upcoming Skills Canada National Competition in Regina at the end of May.   

“I would like to congratulate all of this year’s Skills Ontario competitors,” said Daniel Liao, SLC’s Dean, Applied Science and Technology. “In addition to their academic programs, they trained, practiced, and prepared themselves mentally to compete and proudly represent SLC. I wish Ty the best of luck at the Nationals!” 

Gold medalist Ayyoub Oukkaha, mentored by professor Ziad Ewais, expressed his appreciation for the support received: “It was an honour and an incredible experience representing SLC at Skills Ontario. The supportive SLC staff took care of everything, from hotel accommodation to train tickets, making the entire journey smooth and stress-free. Special thanks to my professor, Ziad, who was an exceptional mentor throughout the event.” 

The Web Design and Development contest challenged competitors to design a web solution based on provided requirements, implementing functional specifications using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, relational databases, and various software frameworks. 

Silver medalist Garrett Johnson, mentored by Patrick Jenkins, competed in Masonry, which required the construction of decorative brickwork with projections and recesses in various bonds, including sections with different types of arches, curved walls, and cavity walls. 

Ty Slemin, also a Silver medalist and mentored by John McGrath, competed in Precision Machining, demonstrating skills in milling machine and engine lathe operations to produce components with the highest precision and specifications.   

SLC is proud of all its competitors, proving they are among the best in the province: 

Austin Malanka – Welding 

Stella Durant – Mechanical CAD 

Stephanie Harmsa – Masonry 

Daniel Reins – Precision Machining 

Jarrod Colbert-Hoddington – Coding 

Tucker Day – Coding 

Jimmy Gray – Individual Carpentry  

Tyrone Ines – Welding 

For information: [email protected]

ABOUT ST. LAWRENCE COLLEGE (SLC)

St. Lawrence College is situated on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples; we are grateful to live and learn on these lands. With campuses in Kingston, Brockville, and Cornwall, SLC delivers education and training that meets the needs of community, industry, and employers. The College prepares students to succeed in the global economy through relevant, practical programs and experiential learning opportunities. SLC programs include diplomas, degrees, graduate certificates, apprenticeships, micro-credentials and life-long learning opportunities. Everyone belongs in the SLC community with more than 125,000 alumni in 75 countries around the world.