An apprentice from Toromont Cat’s Peterborough, Ontario location has won gold in the Heavy Equipment Service category at the 2018 Skills Ontario Competition.
On May 8, Toromont apprentice Kaleb Czyruk joined more than 2,300 other participants in about 70 skilled trades and technology contests.
During the Skills Ontario competition, several stations were set up with a variety of challenges such as electrical system troubleshooting, hydraulic system troubleshooting, engine troubleshooting, powertrain troubleshooting and precision measuring.
Each competitor was evaluated on their ability to work safely, solve problems, record accurate measurements and follow documented procedures. At the end of the competition, when all the scores were tallied, Cryruk placed first overall to take home the gold medal.
Toromont Cat and Battlefield Equipment supported the provincial leg of the competition by providing three CAT 924K wheel loaders and three judges.
Winning the gold medal allowed Czyruk to represent Ontario and Toromont Cat at the 2018 Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) in Edmonton on June 6.
At nationals, Czyruk took the bronze medal giving Ontario a podium finish.
“Having technologically driven skills and digital literacy skills is becoming increasingly important for careers in these sectors, and through SCNC we are able to raise awareness of these evolving occupations”, said Shaun Thorson, Chief Executive Officer of Skills Canada.

Team Ontario is the largest team at the Skills Canada National Competition, sending a competitor for every contest area in secondary and post-secondary levels. This year, the Ontario team won 36 medals in 44 contests, including 15 gold medals, 16 silver medals and 5 bronze.
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The purpose of SCNC is to engage Canadian youth and promote the careers that are available to them in the skilled trades and technologies. It is the only national multi-trade and technology event of its kind for young students and apprentices in the country.
SCNC 2018 also represents a qualifying year where the two highest-ranking age eligible competitors in 28 identified Skill Areas at SCNC are selected to take part in the next stage of the WorldSkills Team Canada Selection Process.