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Story provided by Chelsea Isenor, Director of Communications and Board Administration

The Kamloops-Thompson School District Strategic Priorities, as outlined in the 2022-2027 District Strategic Plan, has the mission of “supporting environments that provide accessible and empowering opportunities to thrive.”

Barriere Secondary School’s Alexis Nelson recently won a Bronze medal in Welding at the 2024 Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) in Quebec. Skills Canada promotes skilled trade and technology careers to Canadian youth. Each year, more than 500 Canadian youth compete in over 40 skilled trade and technology competitions at SCNC.

Before arriving at SCNC, Alexis won Gold medals at the Regional Skills Competition at TRU and the B.C. Provincial Skills Championships in Abbotsford—earning her way to compete at the national level. In order to win Bronze at SCNC, Alexis went up against other Welding competitors who were all given blueprints to weld their creation of the Saint Louis Gate.

Alexis shared that she learned a lot while preparing for the Skills BC and Skills Canada competitions and that her background in athletics helped get her ready to compete. While she was nervous to put herself out for the competition, she said she’s learned to “take any opportunities that come my way, even if I’m unsure.” Earning her way to compete at a national level required a lot of practice but throughout the process Alexis learned “if I work hard, people really do notice.”

Barriere Secondary’s Shop Teacher, Mr. Liam Fielding, who worked with Alexis prior to her joining the TRU Foundation Trades In Transitions program, shared: “Alexis has always been a talented welder and driven student. I’m grateful I got to teach her and I’m proud of what she has accomplished. I know Alexis will excel at whatever she chooses to pursue.”

Barriere Secondary Principal, John Tyler, also expressed his pride in Alexis and his school's Shop program creating opportunities for students: “I am extremely proud of Alexis’ accomplishments. She is the second Barriere Secondary student in the past two years to receive a medal at Skills Canada, confirming the exceptional teaching of Mr. Fielding. Alexis’ accomplishments have provided inspiration to a new group of female students at Barriere Secondary to pursue their interests in a variety of Trades and Applied Skills careers.”

Alexis does not appear to be slowing down after her Bronze medal win, with hopes of competing in future Skills Canada competitions. “I can’t wait to beat a competitor in the post secondary level competition next year!”