Secondary Competitions
Halton Skills Competition helps students shine by showcasing their skills
Secondary students from HDSB competed in a wide range of skills.
Secondary school students competed in events such as 2D Character Animation, Architectural Technology & Design, Baking, and more.
Why Compete?
In addition to promoting the technology programs offered in your schools, these challenges allow the competing students to apply their knowledge of math, science and technology in a fun way, while providing them the opportunity to make the connection between what they are learning in school and possible careers in skilled trades and technologies. When competing students return from the competition, their enthusiasm for the trades and technologies is contagious.
Winners of Halton Skills will move on to compete at the Skills Ontario Competition.
Secondary Competitions
2D Character Animation - Team of 2
Teams of two (2) are given a theme, provided a soundtrack, and are then challenged to tell a story. The contest will focus on the competitors' abilities to tell their story on paper through storyboarding. They will then bring their story to life by creating and animating the depicted scenes.
3D Character Animation - Team of 2
Teams of two (2) create 3D animated sequences that demonstrate technical and artistic skills by applying animation principles, tell a story with animated characters, and complete required tasks.
Architectural Technology and Design
Using Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) software, competitors must showcase their design and drawing skills. The designs/drawings are judged on three broad categories: architecture, engineering and construction.
Auto Collision Repair
Competitors will be judged on their abilities in auto body repair. The contest will include: welding, measurement, the repair of a rocker panel or quarter panel, bumper repair, and vehicle preparation. A written exam will also be administered.
Auto Painting
Competitors will be assessed in auto body preparations and painting techniques. Activities will include dent repair, priming and refinishing. A theoretical exam will also be administered.
Auto Service Technology
Competitors will be challenged with real life automotive repair situations. Engines are assigned and participants may have to assess brakes/steering/suspension, electrical, body functions/vehicle performance, engine systems and fabrication.
Baking
The Baking contest judges competitors based on their competence and professionalism. Participants must bake: yeast/bread rolls, a decorative cake, choux pastries and lemon meringue pie. Competitors must
come prepared with their own recipes.
Cabinetmaking
Students will be judged on their woodworking/cabinetmaking skills. The challenge
will include the creation of a piece of furniture or cabinet by hand. Competitors will be graded on accuracy, fit and finish, and a written test.
Carpentry - Individual
The competitors will be evaluated on their carpentry skills required for residential construction. Competitors may be asked to interpret detailed drawings as they safely and accurately measure, layout and assemble framing systems such as floors, walls and roofs. Competitors should be familiar with both Western Platform Framing and aspects of Post and Beam Construction along with the installation of wall openings, sheathing, decks, stairs and trim.
Carpentry - Team of 2
In teams of two (2), students will be graded on their practical abilities pertaining to carpentry. Teams will be given a project (eg. toy box) and assessed on general practices, blueprint reading, design/layout, construction and assembly of project.
Coding
Students should be prepared for the competition by developing the following knowledge/abilities: Problem Solving/Knowledge • Flowcharts • User Requirements • Test Plans • Presentation of Software Developed • Math Programming Skills • Variables • File I/O • Arrays/Lists • Control Structures • Object Oriented programming
Computer Aided Manufacturing
Participants receive a detailed drawing of a part that must be programmed for a vertical CNC milling machine. Utilizing CAM software, competitors must program the part using 2D geometry construction methods. Competitors must select
appropriate roughing and finishing methods to machine the part and to use proper tools. CNC Machining Assess the contestant's CNC machining operational skills and techniques using manual or CAM software
Culinary Arts
To evaluate through competition, the professional culinary skill and talent of the next generation of Chefs by having them cook and display hot and cold dishes in accordance with established trade rules. This contest presents an exciting view into Culinary Arts and showcases new culinary trends.
Electrical Installations
Competitors will be expected to complete specific tasks from written instructions and provided electrical schematic diagrams. Competitor tasks will relate to
residential electrical wiring.
Electronics
The Electronics contest tests competitors on the current, state-of-the-art, electronic industry standards. Participants may be asked to: interpret schematic diagrams,
identify electrical components and construct/troubleshoot circuits.
Fashion Design
Students are to demonstrate their Fashion Design skills through illustration, apparel drafting, clothing construction and communication.
GIS (Geographic Information Systems) - Team of 2
Students apply GIS tools like ArcGIS to solve a real-world geographic problem by analyzing spatial data, creating digital maps and presenting their findings to judges using maps and story maps.
Graphic Design - Presentation
In advance of the actual competition date, the competitors must create a theme and visual concept promoting the Halton Skills Competition geared to an audience of youth aged 14-21. Three promotional pieces are required: a poster, a brochure and a choice of t-shirt, button or web home page which will be formally presented to a panel of judges on the date of the contest.
Graphic Design –Studio Production
Students will be challenged in various aspects of Studio Production. This may include practical skills in such applications as Adobe InDesign, Photoshop and/or
Adobe Illustrator. Project planning, knowledge of design basics, and technical competence is a must.
Hairstyling
The competitors must demonstrate their technical and creative skills by creating three different fashion-conscious looks during the hairstyling contest. These looks include a men's cut and style, women's trendy salon cut and style and ladies elegant evening hairstyle.
Home & Team Building - Team of 4
Students will demonstrate their skills and talent in construction technology. Teams of four (4) will be evaluated on their abilities in carpentry, electrical and plumbing.
Horticulture and Landscape - Team of 2
Competitors, in teams of two (2), will be tested by building a garden based on a common set of criteria and drawings. Components of this may include, creating wall(s) from precast paving units, laying paving stones, plant selection and placement of landscape rocks.
IT Network System Admin
Students demonstrate practical IT skills in installing, configuring, and managing computer networks and systems.
IT Office Software Systems
The competition evaluates real-world software skills that are widely used in business and administrative roles using industry standard tools, such as document editing, spreadsheets, presentations and databases.
Job Interview
The competition prepares students for the workplace by simulating a professional interview based on a provided job posting. Competitors are evaluated on communication skills, professionalism, preparation, and their ability to clearly articulate their skills and experiences.
Job Skill Demonstration
The competition allows students to showcase hands-on abilities by performing a practical task related to a specific job or trade. Competitors are evaluated on technical competence, safety, organization, and their ability to explain and demonstrate workplace skills clearly. Some examples: Demonstrating patient-care techniques or creating a floral display.
Landscape Design
Using Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) software, competitors must showcase their landscape design and drawing skills. The designs/drawings are judged on creativity, meeting the client's (and the site's) requirements and plant selection.
Mechanical CAD
The Mechanical Computer Aided Drafting contest evaluates a contestant's knowledge of mechanical design and drafting standards by applying CAD software to solve typical mechanical engineering problems.
Photography
The Photography contest will evaluate students' skills in digital photography. Competitors will be graded on their photographic eye, digital capture, digital production, digital output and professionalism.
Precision Machining
Competitors will be given drawings for a mill piece and a lathe piece. They will have a set amount of time to machine the part to completion.
Prepared Speech
The prepared speech competition will evaluate each competitor’s ability to prepare and present clearly and effectively their thoughts relating to the theme established for the competition. The speech shall be at least five (5) minutes in length and will not exceed seven (7) minutes.
Robotics - Team of 4
Prior to the official contest, teams of competitors design and fabricate a robot. The robot must be capable of competing with other student-made robots to move objects to a 'goal'. Competitors require drafting, mechanics, electronics, metalwork, woodwork and communications skills.
Small Powered Equipment
The contest is intended to test the skill and knowledge of competitors in the air and liquid cooled engine field. Students will be assessed on their ability to assemble/disassemble engines, carburetor theory and adjustments, and measuring and identifying parts.
TV & Video Production - Team of 2
Teams of two (2) competitors are required to produce a 2-3 minute informational/promotional video on a theme given at the beginning of the challenge. Competitors must use their time to plan, script, shoot and edit the final video, all in
one day.
VEX V5 Robotics - Team of 4
Students build and program robots using the VEX V5 robotics system to complete specific engineering challenges. Students work together to solve technical problems, program autonomous and driver-controlled robot actions, and score points in timed Robot Skills matches.
Web Site Development
Competitors participating in the Web Site Development contest will be given the opportunity to demonstrate, through practical and theoretical application, their skills in client- and server-side Web design and development.
Welding
The contest will evaluate student's abilities to safely work through all the tested welding processes, including layout, position, fit and tack welding. The interpretation and application of welding symbols will also be tested.
Workplace Safety
Competitors demonstrate understanding of health and safety regulations, hazard recognition, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe work procedures.