Okanagan College Students Win Gold and Bronze Nationally

Emily Frick and Vladyslav Usach walked into the 2026 Skills Canada National Competition in Toronto with dedication and walked out with medals that changed their college's history books.

Frick earned bronze in Car Painting, becoming Okanagan College's first female national banner winner and its first national medalist in that category. Usach captured gold in Collision Repair, cementing his place among Canada's top skilled trades students.

Both competitors dominated at the provincial level first, each winning gold at the Skills Canada BC Provincial Competition in April. Over a dozen Okanagan College students competed in that event across nine different trades, from welding to electronics.

Their success came with dedicated support. Instructor Andreas Roth coached both students through their preparation, guiding them to represent their school at the highest level.

"Competing in the Skills BC and Canada competitions has meant the world to me," Frick shared. "I was able to showcase my learning and go up against some of the most talented apprentices out there."

Frick already has her future mapped out. She plans to tackle intricate custom paint work while coaching the next generation of painters, paying forward the support she received from her college and team.

The Ripple Effect

The wins reflect something bigger happening at Okanagan College. For over 20 years, the school has hosted Skills Regionals, bringing nearly 100 high school and college students together annually to compete and learn.

The college also celebrated another win. Sy Korf from A.I. Fortune Secondary School in Enderby earned gold in Autobody Repair at nationals after being coached by Okanagan instructors Roth and Jason Inkster.

"This is an incredibly proud moment for our students and for everyone who has helped build world-class skilled trades programs at Okanagan College," said Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship Caitlin Hartigan.

The national competition brings together provincial gold medalists from across Canada, making it the country's premier showcase for trades and technology skills.

These young people are building careers that matter, one medal at a time.