Calmar student heads to Skills Canada Nationals
After years of hard work in the shop classroom, Calmar Secondary Collegiate School student Adam Peterson is preparing to represent Alberta, and Black Gold School Division, at the Skills Canada National Competition in Toronto on May 28 to 29.
Peterson earned his spot at Nationals after winning gold in Precision Machining at the Provincial Skills competition in Edmonton earlier this spring. The Grade 12 student will now compete against students from across Canada in one of the country’s most demanding skilled trades events.
“I love the competition environment,” says Peterson. “Being in a room full of people who are exceptionally skilled in the trade is really cool to me.”
This will be Peterson’s second trip to the Skills Canada Nationals Competition. He first competed in Precision Machining at Nationals in Grade 10, where he also won gold. He says the experience has helped him prepare for this year’s event.
At nationals, Peterson will compete independently in timed machining challenges that test accuracy, problem solving, and technical skill. This year’s projects include building a miniature vise and a replica model of the CN Tower using specialized machining equipment.
For Peterson, machining started as a simple interest in building things by hand.
“I was always into woodworking and mechanics,” says Peterson. “Then Mr. Roth introduced me to machining and I got to go to some competitions. I found that I was pretty good at it, and I seemed to really like it.”
Peterson first began learning machining during Grade 9 and has spent the last several years developing his skills through CSCS’s shop program. He now works part-time at a machine shop and is already collecting apprenticeship hours toward a future career in the trade.
Machining teacher Darren Roth says Peterson’s success reflects years of dedication and steady effort.
“You need to really apply yourself. You need to listen, understand concepts, and work hard for years,” says Roth. “Not every student can put in that kind of effort for that long.”
Roth has taught at CSCS School for nearly 30 years and has worked with Skills Canada’s Technical Committee for 16 years. He says Peterson stands out not only for his technical ability, but also for his maturity and focus.
“He works hard and understands the concepts,” says Roth. “He’s a pretty ideal candidate.”
CSCS Principal Justin Klaassen says Peterson’s success continues the school’s long tradition of excellence in skilled trades competitions.
“The great thing about Adam is that he’s a great advocate for the program,” says Klaassen. “He’s a great student in school, works hard, and shows that same work ethic when he’s machining as well.”
Klaassen also added that he’s excited to see how the school’s new collegiate programming will offer more student opportunities to attend competitions like Skills Canada in the future.
For Peterson, competing at Skills has helped shape his future plans. After graduation, he hopes to continue in precision machining and attend the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.
