Local Ryan Beattie wins silver at national welding competition

Ryan Beattie, a Grade 12 student at Lambton Central Collegiate and Vocational School, earned silver for Ontario in secondary school welding at the Skills Canada National Competition in Toronto.

Ryan Beattie of Lambton Central Collegiate and Vocational School has earned a silver medal at the Skills Canada National Competition in Toronto.

Beattie represented Ontario in the secondary school welding competition, which was held May 27 to 30 and featured top student competitors from across Canada.

The Grade 12 student, who is from the Marthaville area, placed second nationally after qualifying for the event as Ontario’s top-ranked secondary school welding competitor.

Alberta’s Logan Swanson won gold, while Manitoba’s Nolan Hildebrand earned bronze.

Beattie has a co-op placement with St. Clair Mechanical and plans to pursue a career in pipe welding after graduation, with hopes of working for companies in Chemical Valley.

His preparation for the national competition included weekend practice and additional time spent refining his welding skills and techniques.

Beattie was one of three Lambton Central students to qualify for the provincial level of Skills Canada competition this year.

Local businesses and community members helped support the trip to nationals, including costs for travel and practice materials.

Skills Canada competitions showcase students in skilled trades and technology fields, giving competitors an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at the provincial and national level.