Fanshawe student brings home gold from Skills Canada competition

Emily Suffel, a soon-to-be-graduate of the Architectural Technology program, won gold at the 2025 Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) held May 29-30 in Regina. Her win marks the program's sixth gold medal at the national competition since 2013. 

Competitors in the Architectural Technology and Design category were allotted six hours each day to complete various tasks tied to the design and construction of a micro-winery. Day one emphasized conceptual and design development, including photovoltaic panel load calculations. Day two shifted to technical execution, requiring detailed construction drawings, such as floor plans. Competitors were expected to integrate client requirements, adhere to the Canadian National Building Code and incorporate sustainable design strategies into their solutions. 

Gary Gerard, faculty in the Architectural Technology program who coached Emily, said her skills in the classroom, her desire to train and her drive made the week all the Fanshawe team could have hoped for. 

“Emily has been hardworking, methodical and receptive to every part of our training,” he said. “Her perseverance showed greatly in the second day of the competition after a tough first day. Her ability to adapt and execute in all situations made her a national champion.  We are extremely proud that she had all the success she envisioned.” 

Emily qualified for the event by winning gold at the Skills Ontario Competition held in Toronto in early May. 

SCNC is the only national, multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices in the country. Each year, more than 500 of Canada’s best in skilled trades and technologies compete for a national championship in over 40 competitions across six skilled trade and technology sectors, including: manufacturing and engineering, transportation, construction and information technology. 

We asked Emily about her experience. Here’s what she shared:  

“Participating in both the Skills Ontario and Skills Canada competitions is an experience I will always be grateful for. I truly appreciate Gary and Joel (Foster) for encouraging me to enter the Fanshawe qualifier—something that ultimately led to earning both provincial and national gold medals. The competitions were challenging, but I am glad that I put myself out there and got to travel with the College to provincials and then with my advisor and the rest of Team Ontario to Regina.  

Just a few years ago, when Gary first mentioned the College qualifier and the Skills competitions to me, I was unaware of what they were or of their significance to the development and promotion of the skilled trades in Canada. I never imagined this outcome, and it’s been an incredibly rewarding and self-validating journey.  

Gary was an outstanding mentor and coach throughout the process. He consistently offered support, adapted his training methods to match my learning style, and was always willing to talk through design approaches or sketch out details. I’m also grateful to Joel and my other professors who were flexible with scheduling, accommodating missed classes, and providing extra guidance and training when possible. The support I received—both during competition and throughout my time at the College—has meant a great deal to me, and I sincerely thank everyone who played a part in it.”