EDUCATION. Four students from Coaticook Vocational Training Center – CRIFA walked out of the Quebec Trades and Technology Olympiads with medals around their necks.

“We’re pretty proud of the work we’ve done,” says Éloi St-Arnaud, who, along with colleague Juliette Côté-Goulet, competed in the landscaping section of these competitions, which took place in Quebec City on July 11 and 12 won gold.

To get to the top step of the podium, the two students had to create a floral arrangement with a low wall and add wooden elements, following the strict rules of a plan. “When we finished the event, we looked at what the others had done and we were impressed. Let’s say it wasn’t won in advance,” laughs Juliette.

Tammy Pelletier-Lemire also won a gold medal in secretarial work. “It was a surprising competition as I didn’t expect there would be an accounting component. So I had a lot to do. The difference, I think, is that I always added a little more than what was asked. That’s maybe where I got noticed. »

Alexis Morin is just as proud to present his bronze medal, which he won in the automotive mechanics category. “There were tests on the brakes, the suspension and the engine. Sometimes you had to inspect them, disassemble them or even find out what wasn’t working,” explains the young man.

NEXT STOP: WINNIPEG

The adventure continues for Alexis Morin and Tammy Pelletier-Lemire on May 25th and 26th in Winnipeg. They will take part in the Canadian part of the competition.

This step introduces some additional difficulties for these participants. “There will be a language challenge from my side, since the documents have to be submitted in English. I also do a lot of bookkeeping,” reveals Tammy.

“In mechanics, people in English Canada use different electronic software to get their specifications. I’ve been practicing with it for the last week to be ready,” Alexis mentions.

As for the landscaping representatives, they won’t be flying to Manitoba for a formality. In fact, Skills Quebec has decided not to admit students who are unable to compete in World Championships due to their age to the Canadian phase. Unfortunately, Juliette is too old to take part.