I got involved with Skills in Grade 10 at General Brock High School in Burlington, helping my teachers Ron Postma and Debbie Trimble setting up the 2002 Ontario Skills Competition in Kitchener/Waterloo. After experiencing this event, I realized how big skilled trades were and the incredible opportunity it would bring for me. After completing Grade 10 Auto Body class, I knew this was the career I wanted.

In Grade 11 with the expertise, guidance and support of Ron and Debbie, together we set our goals for the Skills Competition in 2003. After succeeding in the school and regional events I moved forward onto the Ontario Skills in Kitchener where I won gold. After receiving my medal and when I was back sitting at our table, I thought Holy Cow!! I won the gold medal. Then realizing, Holy Cow, I have to compete at the National event in a day and a half.

At the Canadian Skills National Auto Body Orientation meeting (having just completed my four hour national training crash course), I looked around the room and realized the best youth in Canada were here. I decided to set aside the feelings of panic and just try my best. I came out just short of gold, with a silver medal. It was a great eye opening and learning experience for me. I decided then and there that I was coming back to compete in 2004. My goal for 2004 was Gold. And that’s what I did; I came back and won the gold medal at the Canadian National Skills Competition in Winnipeg.

Then the call came; I was going to Finland as a member of Team Canada. My goal for the remainder of 2004 and 2005 is to dedicate myself to my training, so I will be prepared to represent my trade and my country at the International Skills Competition in Helsinki, Finland in May.

The success I have enjoyed over the past 2 1/2 years did not happen all by itself. It started the day I was born when I came out of the hospital and my parents gave me my first toy - A 9/16” wrench - and has continued on by countless people giving of their time, money, talent, heart and expertise to teach me.

People like Gail Smyth and her staff who put in the countless hours, and I'm sure many late nights, to make sure Skills Canada Ontario can be the most successful program there is. And I can't forget my trainer/mentor/teacher and friend Ron Postma. I must also mention my employer Budd's Collision and my boss Sam who have been extremely supportive of me.

The Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association forecasts a 43% vacancy rate for skilled trades by 2007 - nearly 34,000 jobs will be available, but only 20,000 skilled workers will be available. With fewer students looking at skilled trades as a career option, we need to make skilled trades more attractive to both the students and their parents.

My concern for the future of youth in the trades is that employers must have the time, money and patience it takes to turn a student into a skilled trades person.

When you get students in the door, you need to show them how far they can get in their trade - not how to sweep a floor. I understand new people can't just jump to the top without putting in the time, but they need encouragement and incentive so that they will stay in the trade.

If you as employers can realize the value of us kids and realize that we are your workforce of tomorrow, then we are all working together for the trades that we love.

Mark Millson

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