National Skilled Trades Competition Concludes with Top CNC Machining Winners!

The 2025 Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) wrapped up, bringing together over 500 students and apprentices from across Canada to compete in more than 40 skill areas. The event, which is Canada’s largest multi-trade and technology competition, concluded with winners in various categories, including CNC Machining. These winners will have the opportunity to represent Canada at the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, China, scheduled for September 2026.

In the CNC Machining competition, Ontario’s Noah Rittenhouse took home the gold, New Brunswick’s Joshua Bradford earned the gold in Precision Machining, while Félix Lafrance (silver) and Richard Lewis (bronze) secured top spots in CNC Machining. These victories demonstrate the skill and dedication of Canada’s rising trades professionals.

The SCNC serves as a key platform to engage youth and promote rewarding careers in the skilled trades and technologies. In addition to the intense competitions, the event featured hands-on activities such as the Skills Showcase highlighting First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Skills, as well as initiatives like Empowering Women in the Trades. Over 50 Try-A-Trade and Technology activities allowed students to explore different career paths in a practical, engaging setting.

Shaun Thorson, CEO of Skills/Compétences Canada, emphasized that the event connects the next generation of skilled professionals, showcasing the numerous opportunities available in skilled trades and technologies. He also stressed the importance of hands-on activities in helping students explore these in-demand career paths.

The SCNC event is made possible with the support of the Government of Canada and several sponsors, including UA Canada, Cenovus Energy, Home Hardware, and the Regina Hotel Association.

The next SCNC will take place on May 28-29, 2026, at Exhibition Place in Toronto. The event continues to provide a platform for young Canadians to explore, compete, and pursue successful careers in the trades and technology sectors.

Additionally, the event continued its longstanding partnership with the Gene Haas Foundation, which provided cash awards for CNC Machining and Precision Machining competitors. Gold, silver, and bronze medalists in these categories received awards starting at $1,350, reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to supporting the next generation of machinists.