Sheridan Apprentice Receives a Medallion for Excellence at WorldSkills in Russia

A Sheridan student competed for the first time ever at the 45^th bi-annual WorldSkills Competition in Kazan, Russia from August 22 to 27. Jake Doan completed twenty hours of rigorous competition in the Industrial Mechanic Millwright category over four days, which resulted in a sixth-place finish for the Sheridan apprentice and the receipt of a Medallion for Excellence.

Doan earned his place on Team Canada after first winning a gold medal at Skills Ontario in 2018, a silver medal at Skills Canada and a secondary run-off competition in a winner-takes-all showdown against a competitor from Quebec in Halifax in May. Skills competitions at all levels provide an opportunity for post-secondary students to demonstrate their talents in a chosen field of study ranging from the skilled trades to computer technology.

WorldSkills has become known as the Olympic of Skills and is the ultimate stage to reach for a skills competitor. It’s a hugely anticipated event that drew more than 1,300 competitors from 63 countries and regions and 250,000 visitors to the competition grounds.

To prepare, Doan worked with his trainer, Sheridan IMM faculty and program coordinator Brian Vintinner for months. Vintinner prepared tasks for Doan that were specific to the machines and equipment that would be on site in Russia.

In competition, Doan performed his four standalone projects tremendously according to Vintinner, and after the judge’s final tally was mere points away from the podium. “To see where Jake was only six months ago and where he is now is remarkable,” says Vintinner. “Moving forward I hope he’ll look back on this competition as a catalyst to becoming a valued Industrial Mechanic Millwright.”

For an exceptional score in his category, Doan was presented with a Medallion for Excellence. “We’re so proud of what Jake achieved as the first-ever competitor from Sheridan on this world stage,” said Dr. Janet Morrison, President and Vice Chancellor. “The dedication of faculty and staff has been a contributing factor to his success.”

Sheridan was also represented in Kazan by skills competition veteran Craig Brazil, a faculty member who serves as the IMM Skills Competition Manager for WorldSkills Kazan. Elsewhere, Lab Manager in Sheridan’s School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Technology, Simon Heathcote, was the Test Project Designer for the entire Polymechanics and Automation competition at WorldSkills.

Learn more about the Skilled Trades at Sheridan.

Pictured top right: Sheridan apprentice Jake Doan competing in the Industrial Mechanic Millwright category at WorldSkills in Kazan, Russia.