On the weekend of May 22 to 23, Kyle Coulombe of Falher competed in the 2008 Provincial Skills Competition in Calgary. The competition is described as the Olympics of Trade. It invites youth from across Alberta, representing high school and post-secondary levels, to compete in a variety of trade and technical events. “Kyle is in his second year of carpentry at NAIT College in Edmonton,” says his mom Raymonde Coulombe. “He participated in the 18 to 21 years old age group.” The skills competition showcases the best young talent in Alberta is a variety of trades. These include; mechanics, plumbing, electrical, metal fabrication, cabinet makers, graphic design and baking, to name a few. During the two-day competition, each student specializes in one event area and must complete a project that has been designed by experts in that field. The philosophy of the Provincial Skills Competitions is to reward students for excellence in their chosen professional field. Gold medalists at the provincial level are further rewarded with a selection to Team Alberta and an opportunity to showcase their skills at the Canadian Skills Competition. Kyle competed in the two-day-event, building an arbour gate in the two days. “Kyle said it was a great experience and he was able to see how he fared in comparison with others in his profession,” says Raymonde. “The finished arbours constructed by all competitors were sold to the public after the competition.” Kyle received monetary aide from Extreme Clean in Fairview to help pay for his hotel room and other expenses during his stay in Calgary. Coulombe is in his second year of carpentry at NAIT College in Edmonton. He received the Top Carpenter Apprentice award from NAIT as a 2nd year student. As a result of the award, Kyle received a $250 gift certificate and choice of tools from the school. Kyle is a 2006 graduate of G.P. Vanier high school in Donnelly. His path to carpentry began through the school’s RAP program (registered apprenticeship program). He currently works for Turcotte Construction in Falher under Denis Turcotte. For more information on the competition visit www.skillsalberta.com.