Calendar
Competition – Competitors, Advisors, Registration Contacts
2026 Skills Ontario Competition: May 4th and 5th at the Toronto Congress Centre
Closing Ceremony: May 6th
Prior to the provincial-level competition, we host Skills Ontario Qualifying Competitions for four select contests that students must participate in first to determine who will continue to the provincial level. For more information on the Qualifying Competitions, click here.
If you have any questions, please email competitions@skillsontario.com. For latest developments, follow us on Twitter at @skillsontario.
Overview
The Skills Ontario Competition offers a unique opportunity for top students to demonstrate that they are the best of the best in their field. Over the two and a half days, they turn the heads of their educators, family, friends and prospective employers. Winners are awarded with Gold, Silver or Bronze medals - and some with monetary awards, too - and the opportunity to compete at the Skills Canada National Competition. From there, competitors could be headed to a WorldSkills Competition.
In addition to contests, the Skills Ontario Competition has a number of components, including: the Career Exploration Showcase, the Young Women's Conference, the First Nations, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) Conference, and the Closing Ceremonies.
How it Works
Students who are interested in competing at the Skills Ontario Competition must follow certain steps to be able to participate:
1. Let your instructor know you're interested. They'll be able to pass along your request to your school board/college/training delivery agent/private institution's designated contact person who will then let you know the process specific to your institution.
Note: You can not register directly for the Skills Ontario Competition, it must be done through your institution's contact person. See the "Registration" section of this website for more information.
2. Regional/Institutional Competition. Some insitutions host their own internal competition to determine who will be selected to represent them, while some will allow competitors to move directly to the Qualifying or Provincial competition. Your instructor will let you know if there is a regional competition for your institution.
3. Register by entering your information and submitting your signed informed consent form. Students that have been selected to represent their institution, either through a regional competition or by direct entry, must register and submit their informed consent form to Skills Ontario. Your instructor or your institution's contact person will explain the steps to register yourself.
4. Qualifying Competition. Four secondary level contests (Carpentry, Culinary Arts, TV & Video Production, Welding) require students to participate in qualifying competitions that are held at 7 colleges across Ontario. Students will compete against the best students in their region to determine who will advance to the Provincial competition.
5. Provincial Competition. Students from across the province attend the Skills Ontario Competition at the Toronto Congress Centre.
6. National Competition. For certain contest (see the table in the "Contest List" section), the gold medal winners from the Provincial Competition will be invited to represent Ontario at the National level.
7. World Competition. Skills Canada leads a selection process to determine who will represent the country at the international level.'
Benefits to Competing
- Chance to win a MEDAL! You could also be awarded with scholarships, bursaries, job offers and prizes!
- Compete against some of the best students from across the province
- Time spent practicing provides a higher level of competency, confidence, and leadership
- Add participation/accomplishment to your resume and LinkedIn
- Learn about time and resource management and dealing with pressure and obstacles
- Develop your skills in communication, problem-solving, team-building, creativity & innovation, collaboration, adaptability, digital competency, reading, numeracy and writing
- Complete hands-on experiential projects aligned with curriculum and industry standards
- Network with other competitors, educators, professionals and potential employers
- Connection for media opportunities such as tv, articles, videos, podcasts, radio and more
- Potentially represent Team Ontario at the National Competition and Canada at WorldSkills
- Represent your institution proudly! Possibly be recognized by a banner in your school
- Teachers/advisors are recognized along with medal winners with a commemorative pin
Hear What Teachers/Advisors Say About the Benefits of Competing
“Skills gives exposure to the possibilities of different career paths that are available that speak to the individual that they might not have been aware of. It also allows for them to take pride in skill sets that they have, just like they take pride in the ability to participate in a sport or a given art.”
“Participating against your peers can show where your skill set is in relation to others. The value this brings to the skilled trades is immense. Getting more eyes and ears on the trades is the best way to promote them, through the future workforce in our students.”
“Students get to test their skills acquired through the curriculum on industrial level assignments in industry environment using industry grade equipment and softwares. In addition, students practice many hours to prepare for Skills which enhances their hands-on skills. Lastly, students meet potential employers at the Skills events.”
If you would like a printable brochure for your school, please click here.
Registration
- Each school board, college, training delivery agent or private institution has one contact person ("registration contact") who requests spaces for their institution and manages student registrations. Parents, guardians, teachers, or students who are interested in participating must express their interest to this contact person - they can not register themselves for the competition. If you do not know this person, please contact competitions@skillsontario.com.
- Registration contacts can request spaces for the competition in early December, with a limit of 2 elementary/secondary and 3 post-secondary spaces per contest for each institution.
- Reserving a spot does not guarantee a space as once contest maximums are reached, reigstered space(s) are placed on a waitlist
- Spaces are free to cancel until the cancellation deadline, usually late-February/early-March. After this, the full fee must be paid as a space has tentatively been taken away from someone on the waitlist, as at that point, they may no longer be able to compete or have had enough notice to be able to practice.
- Registration fee invoices are sent out after the competition is held. Unpaid invoices will prevent an institution from being able to register for competition spaces the following year.
Fees
The competition registration fee covers less than approximately 4.5% of the total cost per student to run each contest. Skills Ontario acknowledges the contributions of our sponsors and partners who help us provide these opportunities for our youth.
The institution who registered the spaces will be invoiced following the competition.
| Category |
Level |
Registration Fee | Payment Policy & Cancellation Fees |
| Qualifying | Secondary | $135 | |
Skills Ontario Competition |
Secondary / Post-Secondary ________________ Elementary |
$250
_____________________ $135 |
Spaces cancelled after the deadline will be charged the full registration fee as it potentially takes a space away that could be used by another student. Fees for cancelled spaces are not transferable to new spaces. |
| Waitlisted Spaces | Elementary, Secondary, Post-Secondary | $0 | School boards/colleges/training delivery agents/private institutions will not be invoiced for waitlisted spaces. When a waitlisted space becomes accepted, the school board/college/training delivery agent/private institution will then be invoiced. |
Scopes
Contest scopes are provided to give teachers and competitors an outline of what each specific contest entails. All scopes for the current competition year should be posted before the end of January, but if the scope you are looking for is not posted yet, you may review past scopes as a starting point to give you an idea of what is involved.**
Scopes are the main resource required to prepare for your contest, so it is very important that you review your contest scope carefully in advance of the competition. The scope contains all of the information that a competitor needs to know to have a successful and safe competition.
Changes may occur in the scopes up until two (2) weeks prior to the competition. It is the responsibility of the competitor and advisor to ensure they have the most up to date version. The dates of postings will be reflected with the scopes on the website.
Note: Please review the date and time of your contest as listed in the scope. While the entire competition takes place over two days, some contests may occur on just one of the two days and have different start times. Scopes may change, so please check back to make sure you have the most recent version.
Elementary
* Please note that Elementary Career Awareness Workshops are distinct from Elementary contests, which also take place at the Skills Ontario Competition. Elementary contests are full-day events where teams of 2 to 4 students represent their school board in one of 9 different contests. If you are interested in Elementary contests, please click here to learn more or contact your school board representative.
No elementary contest advances past the provincial competition as Nationals/Worlds are secondary/post-secondary only.
| Contest Name | Document(s) | Past Scopes | Sponsor(s) |
| Character Animation (4-6 / 7-8) - Team of 4 | 2025 Scope (4-6 and 7-8) - Updated March 20 | 2024 Scope | - |
| Construction (7-8) - Team of 4 | 2025 Scope | 2024 Scope | - |
| Green Energy (7-8) - Team of 4 | 2025 Scope | 2024 Scope | - |
| LEGO Mechanical Engineering (4-6 / 7-8) - Team of 4 | 2025 Scope (4-6 and 7-8) | Canadore College | |
| LEGO Robotics (4-6 / 7-8) - Team of 4 | Questions & Answers | Linamar | |
| Technology (4-6 / 7-8) - Team of 4 | 2024 Scope (Grades 7-8) | Stellantis | |
| TV & Video Production (7-8) - Team of 2 | 2025 Scope | 2024 Scope | - |
| VEX Robotics (4-6 / 7-8) - Team of 4 | 2025 Scope | 2024 Scope | Centennial College |
| Workplace Safety (7-8) - Team of 2 | 2025 Scope | 2024 Scope | Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) |
Secondary/Post-Secondary
Contests with an asterisk (*) beside the name require students to first participate in a Qualifying Competition. The qualifying level of these competitions has a different scope that you will need to review.
Note: Contest scopes can not be posted until the National-level scope is posted by Skills Canada. If your contest scope has not been posted by the end of January, it is likely that the National-level scope has not yet been made public.
|
Contest |
Document(s) | Past Scopes | Advances to Nationals / Worlds | Sponsor(s) |
| 2D Character Animation (S) - Team of 2 |
|
Story Breakdown |
Nationals (S) |
- |
| 3D Character Animation (S)- Team of 2 |
2025 Scope - Updated April 2 |
Story Breakdown |
Nationals (S) |
- |
| 3D Digital Game Art (PS) | 2025 Scope - Updated March 28 | 2024 Scope |
Nationals (PS) Worlds (PS) |
Niagara College |
| Additive Manufacturing (PS) - Introductory Demonstration Contest | 2025 Scope | 2024 Scope |
Stellantis Stratasys |
|
| Aesthetics (S/PS) |
2025 Scope (PS) - Updated Mar 20 2025 Scope (S) - Updated Feb 24 |
Client Information & Health History (PS) Facial Consultation (PS) |
Nationals (PS) Worlds (PS) |
L'Moor |
| Aircraft Maintenance (PS) | 2025 Scope | 2024 Scope |
Nationals (PS) Worlds (PS) |
Canadore College Mohawk College |
| Arborist (PS) - Introductory demonstration contest | 2025 Scope | 2024 Scope | ||
| Architectural Technology and Design (S/PS) |
|
Nationals (S/PS) | Collège Boréal | |
| Auto Collision Repair (S/PS) | 2025 Scope (S/PS) | 2024 Scope (S/PS) |
Nationals (S/PS) Worlds (PS) |
CARSTAR Fix Network 3M Canada |
| Auto Painting (S/PS) |
|
Nationals (S/PS) Worlds (PS) |
Fix Network |
|
| Auto Service Technology (S/PS) | 2025 Scope (S/PS) | 2024 Scope (S/PS) |
Nationals (S/PS) Worlds (PS) |
Mohawk College Snap-On Tools Mazda Canada Inc. |
| Automation and Control (PS) | 2025 Scope (PS) | 2024 Scope (PS) |
Nationals (PS) Worlds (PS) |
Magna International Rockwell Automation Canada Inc. |
| Baking (S/PS) |
2025 Scope (S) - Updated 2025-02-05 |
Nationals (S/PS) Worlds (PS) |
Humber Polytechnic Whirlpool |
|
| Brick Masonry (S/PS) |
2025 Drawing (S) - Uploaded 2025-02-24 2025 Drawing (PS) - Uploaded 2025-02-24 |
2024 Scope (S/PS) |
Nationals (PS) Worlds (PS) |
Conestoga College Ontario Masontry Training Centre (OMTC) LiUNA |
| Cabinetmaking (S/PS) |
Nationals (S/PS) Worlds (PS) |
Conestoga College Blum Canada Ltd. Canadian Wood Worker Wood Manufacturing Council Busy Bee Tools |
||
|
Carpentry - Individual* (S/PS) Secondary only: this contest require students to first participate in a Qualifying Competition. |
|
Isometric Drawing 2024 (PS) |
Nationals (S/PS) |
St. Lawrence College CLAC UBC - Carpenters' Regional Council Calian Mattamy Homes |
| Carpentry - Team (S) - Team of 2 | - | Domtar | ||
| Cloud Computing (PS) | 2025 Scope | 2024 Scope |
Nationals (PS) Worlds (PS) |
- |
| CNC Machining (PS) |
|
2024 Scope (PS) |
Nationals (PS) Worlds (PS - Divided into Lathe and Mill contests) |
Collège La Cité Mitutoyo Gene Haas Foundation |
| CNC Woodworking (S) | 2024 Scope |
- | - | |
| Coding (S/PS) | Example Test | - | - | |
| Computer Aided Manufacturing (S/PS) | 2025 Scope | 2024 Scope | - |
Confederation College Georgian College |
|
Culinary Arts* (S/PS) Secondary only: this contest require students to first participate in a Qualifying Competition. |
2025 Provincial Scope (S/PS) - Updated 2025-02-19 Test Project (PS) - Updated 2025-02-05 Menu Template Requirements (S/PS) Common Table Ingredients (S/PS) Guidelines for Restaurant Sous Vide Cooking Safety in British Columbia (PS) |
Guidelines for Restaurant Sous Vide Cooking Safety in British Columbia (PS) |
Nationals (S/PS) Worlds (PS) |
Centennial College Centre for Meat Innovation & Technology (CMIT) |
| Cybersecurity (PS) - Introductory demonstration contest | 2025 Scope |
Sheridan College
|
||
| Electrical Installations (S/PS) | 2024 Scope (S) |
Nationals (S/PS) Worlds (PS) |
ECAO/IBEW/IBEW 353 Sheridan College Collège La Cité Bruce Power Southwire Nexans Canada Inc. |
|
| Electronics (S/PS) | 2025 Scope | 2024 Scope |
Nationals (S/PS) |
Humber Polytechnic |
|
Fashion Design (S/PS*) *PS is considered an Introductory Demonstration Contest. |
2025 Scope - Updated April 11 Design Pattern (8.5x11) - 1 of 2 Design Pattern (8.5x11) - 2 of 2 |
2024 Design Pattern - Large Printer |
Nationals (S) Worlds (S) |
- |
| Floristry (S) | 2025 Scope | 2024 Scope | - | - |
|
Geographic Information Systems (S/PS) - Team of 2 *PS is considered an Introductory Demonstration Contest. |
2024 Scope (PS) | - | Georgian College | |
| Graphic Design - Presentation (S) | 2025 Scope | Skills Ontario Logo (EPS) | - |
|
| Graphic Design - Studio Production (S/PS) | 2024 Scope |
Nationals (S/PS) Worlds (PS) |
||
| Hairstyling (S/PS) |
2025 Scope (PS) - Updated 2025-02-19 2025 Scope (S) - Updated 2025-02-19 |
Commercial Hair Colour & Haircut (PS) |
Nationals (S/PS) Worlds (PS) |
Artline Salon |
| Heating Systems Technician (S/PS) | - |
Cambrian College Niagara & Halton Skilled Trades Academy |
||
| Heavy Equipment Service (S/PS) | 2024 Scope (S) |
Nationals (PS) Worlds (PS) |
Toromont Cat Wajax |
|
| Home and Team Building (S) - Team of 4 | - |
UBC - Carpenters' Regional Council Milwaukee |
||
| Horticulture and Landscape (S/PS) - Team of 2 | 2024 Scope (PS) |
Nationals (PS) Worlds (PS) |
Niagara College Techo-Bloc |
|
| Industrial Mechanic Millwright (PS) |
Nationals (PS) Worlds (PS) |
Northern College Honda of Canada MFG. Bruce Power Magna International St. Lawrence College Millwright Regional Council - Canada |
||
| IT Network Systems Administration (S/PS) |
Practical Review (PS)
|
2023 Scope (S) |
Nationals (S/PS) Worlds (PS) |
Cambrian College Northern College |
| IT Office Software Applications (S/PS) | 2024 Scope | Nationals (S/PS) | - | |
| Job Interview (S) | Nationals (S) | HIEC/ApprenticeSearch.com | ||
| Job Skill Demonstration (S) |
2025 Scope - Updated Feb 24 Safety Plan - Updated Feb 24 |
Nationals (S) |
HIEC/ApprenticeSearch.com Fair Chance Learning OCAS |
|
| Landscape Design (S/PS) | Example Project | - | ||
| Mechanical CAD (S/PS) | 2025 Scope | 2024 Scope |
Nationals (S/PS) Worlds (PS) |
Loyalist College |
| Mechatronics (PS) - Team of 2 | 2025 Scope * Now a 2-day contest | 2024 Scope |
Nationals (PS) Worlds (PS) |
Magna |
| Metal Fabricator - Fitter (PS) | 2025 Scope (PS) - Updated 2025-02-20 | 2024 Scope (PS) | - |
Canaweld CISC/Walters Inc. Six Nations Polytechnic |
| Mobile Crane Operator (PS) | 2025 Scope | 2024 Scope | OETIO | |
| Network Cabling Specialist (PS) | 2025 Scope | 2024 Scope | - | ECAO/IBEW 353 |
|
Outdoor Powered Equipment (PS/S) |
2025 Scope | 2024 Scope | Nationals (S/PS) |
Yamaha Motor SnapOn Tools |
| Pin & Medal Design (S/PS) | Click here to view the scope and learn more about this contest. | - |
- | |
| Photography (S/PS) | 2024 Scope (PS) | Nationals (S/PS) | - | |
| Powerline Technician (PS) - Team of 2 | 2025 Scope | 2024 Scope |
- |
IHSA Canadian Union of Skilled Workers - CUSW EPSCA |
| Plastering and Drywall Systems (PS) - Introductory demonstration contest | 2025 Scope | 2024 Scope |
Interior Finishing Systems Training Centre (IFSTC) |
|
| Plumbing (S/PS) | 2025 Scope | 2024 Scope |
Nationals (PS) Worlds (PS) |
George Brown College Oatey CLAC Milwaukee UA Canada/MCAO
|
| Precision Machining (S/PS) | 2025 Scope (S/PS) | 2024 Scope (S/PS) | Nationals (PS) | - |
| Pressure Pipe Welding (PS) | 2025 Scope (PS) | - | ||
| Prepared Speech (S) | 2025 Scope (S) - Updated March 4 | 2024 Scope | Nationals (S) | - |
| Refrigeration (S/PS) | 2025 Scope (S/PS) | 2024 Scope (S/PS) |
Nationals (PS) Worlds (PS) |
- |
| Renewable Energies (PS) - Team of 2 | 2025 Scope - Updated Feb 24 | 2024 Scope | - | 3M |
| Restaurant Service (S/PS) | Appendix B | - |
George Brown College Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) |
|
| Robotics (S) - Team of 4 |
Questions & Answers (2025-03-24)
|
Appendix E | Nationals (S Team of 2) | Linamar |
| Sheet Metal Work (PS) | 2025 Scope (PS) | Nationals (PS) |
Ontario Sheet Metal Workers and Roofers Conference (OSMWRC) Air Liquide Colleges Ontario |
|
| Sprinkler Fitter (PS) | 2025 Scope | 2024 Scope | Nationals (PS) | - |
| Steamfitting/Pipefitting (PS) | 2025 Scope | 2024 Scope | Nationals (PS) |
Ontario Power Generation (OPG) UA Canada/MCAO |
| Truck and Coach (PS) | 2025 Scope (PS) | 2024 Scope (PS) | Collège Boréal | |
|
TV and Video Production* (S) - Team of 2 Secondary only: this contest require students to first participate in a Qualifying Competition. |
Production Brief | Nationals (S) | - | |
| Vex V5 Robotics (S) - Team of 4 | 2025 Scope | 2024 Scope | - |
-
|
| Web Design and Development (S/PS) | 2025 Scope | 2024 Scope - Updated April 22 |
Nationals (S) Worlds (S) |
- |
|
Welding* (S/PS) Secondary only: this contest require students to first participate in a Qualifying Competition. |
Welding Project (Grain Elevator) (S)
Welding Project (Boss Box) (PS) Welding Project (Dynasty Aluminum) (PS) Welding Project (Stainless Steel Jet) (PS)
|
Welding Project (Porte St Louis) (S) Welding Project (Stainless Steel Box) (PS) Welding Project (National Vessel) (PS) Welding Project (Ice Machine) (PS)
|
Nationals (S/PS) Worlds (PS) |
Ontario Power Generation Confederation College Canaweld Miller BWXT Air Liquide |
| Workplace Safety (S) | 2025 Scope | 2024 Scope | Nationals (S) |
WSIB Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) OCAS |
Important Dates
- Friday, November 22nd
- Pin and Medal Contest Deadline
- Monday December 2 at 9am to Friday December 6 at 4pm
- Contest space reservation for Elementary, Secondary and Post-Secondary Contests at the Skills Ontario Competition
- Reserving a spot does not guarantee a space as once contest maximums are reached, registered space(s) are placed on a waitlist.
- Friday February 28 at 4pm
- Elementary/Secondary/Post-Secondary: No-penalty cancellation deadline. Competition spaces that are cancelled after this date/time will be charged the entire registration fee.
- If spaces are cancelled, they will be offered to those on the waitlists.
- Friday March 28 at 4:00pm
- Qualifying only - Registration/informed consent form deadline. Competitors who have not submitted their form by this date will NOT be competing.
- All regional events must occur before this date to ensure students can be registered. This deadline is to ensure Skills Ontario has enough time to order supplies/catering and pack materials and judging sheets.
- Saturday April 5
- Qualifying competitions take place at 7 colleges across Ontario. Click here to learn more about the Qualifying competitions.
- Qualifying competitions take place at 7 colleges across Ontario. Click here to learn more about the Qualifying competitions.
- Friday April 25 at 4pm
- Secondary, Elementary and Post-Secondary - Registration/informed consent form deadline. Competitors who have not submitted their form by this date will NOT be competing.
- Monday May 4 and Tuesday May 5
- The Skills Ontario Competition takes place. Please check the scopes for the individual contest dates/times.
- All elementary from grades 4-8 is held on the Monday.
- Wednesday May 6
- Closing Ceremony
- Friday May 15
- Results for the 2025 competition will be posted on this page
Safety
Student safety is a top priority for Skills Ontario. The following policies will be in place to reduce potential risks:
- Competitors must be enrolled in, or have taken a similar course of that of the contest that they will be competing in, to ensure they have a base level of competence and safety understanding. Competitors are to come prepared and trained for the contest to compete. Contests that require equipment training (example Auto Painting for the paint booth), training is provide on site during the contest.
- Competitors must wear all required safety equipment as outlined in each contest scope. Students who fail to wear proper equipment will not be allowed to compete. All personal protective equipment must be CSA approved. For example, safety boots must have the green CSA triangle on them.
- All equipment and tools supplied by Skills Ontario are inspected by the activity leader(s) prior to student use.
- Signage will be posted at each contest requiring personal protective equipment or safety precautions.
- Judges and Skills Ontario staff will be monitoring each contest to ensure all safety practices are followed and that equipment is being used properly.
- Technical Chairs will complete a contest site safety checklist prior to any competitor's arrival.
- A copy of all material safety data sheets (MSDS) will be kept in the Skills Office on-site.
- Competitor Safety Check List will be completed with competitors by the Technical Chairs during contest orientation
- Every contest site will be equiped with a standard first aid kit and hand sanitizer. Contests with materials and consumables that require spill kits/eye wash bottles will be available at each of those contests.
- Hearing protection will be available to all spectators who wish to have a pair of ear plugs. For spectators, they will be available in Zones 3 and 4 at the Toronto Congress Center, as well as the Skills Ontario Information Booth.
- Both police and EMS (with ambulance) are available on-site throughout the competition days and are labelled on the floor plan which is available on the Skills Ontario website on the visitor page, the Skills Ontario App, and on-site printed copies during contest days
- Skills Ontario has a site specific event safety manual that has guidelines to manage a number of different scenarios.
- The Toronto Congress Centre has security on-site 24/7 to monitor the building
- Skills Ontario Staff are on-site each day throughout the competition, set-up and tear down.
- Leaders running the Challenges, Contests and Workshops are all trained in the field of the activity.
- Every activity leader, staff and marshal will have received a copy of the Event Safety Manual.
- Fire Exits and First Aid Stations are marked on the floor plan. These are available on the Skills Ontario Visitor section of the website, the Skills Ontario App, and available on-site printed copies during contest days.
- Competitors will not be permitted to participate until they have all appropriate safety dress attire/ equipment. If a competitor comes unprepared with out all required safety dress attire/ equipment as specified in the scope, if someone can obtain it for the competitor and bring it to the competitor, the competitor will be allowed to compete, but no additional time will be provided for the competitor in any lost time taken to obtained any missing components. A competitor is not allowed to start competing while someone is obtaining missing safety dress attire/ equipment and must wait until it arrives. If a competitor comes unprepared with out all safety dress attire/ equipment and is unable to obtain missing dress attire/ equipment to able to safely compete, they will be disqualified. It is the responsibility of the competitor to read the scope and come prepared with everything required of the competitor. Skills Ontario can not assist in obtaining any missing safety dress attire/ equipment/ tools that was not brought to the competition by the competitor as noted in the scope, as it provides an unfair advantage. Safety is a priority, and no exceptions will be made to allow a competitor to compete until they have all required safety dress attire/ equipment.
Competitor Eligiblity
Elementary Level Eligibility
Elementary level competitors must meet the following criteria in the current school year:
- International students may now compete at all levels of the Skills Ontario Competition (OCO) and Qualifying Competition, including Elementary, Secondary and Post-Secondary
- Be enrolled in the appropriate grade level corresponding with the contest (Grades 4-6 or Grades 7 & 8) within the current school year.
- Be registered as a competitor with Skills Ontario.
- Competitors may compete in only one (1) contest at the Skills Ontario Competition.
- Students registered in a team event must be enrolled in the same school.
Secondary Level Eligibility
Secondary level competitors must meet the following criteria (see other requirements below with regards to Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) and WorldSkills Team Canada (WSTC) contests) in the current school year and may be asked to provide proof of any points listed below (at any time, including on-site). Institutions registering competitors are responsible for verifying all eligibility information during their selection process prior to registration:
- International students may now compete at all levels of the Skills Ontario Competition (SOC) and Qualifying Competition, including Elementary, Secondary and Post-Secondary. Competitors must have international student status on the date(s) of their contest, or if a competitor’s study permit expires prior to their contest date(s), the competitor must ensure that they have legal standing in place by their contest start date to stay in Canada in order to participate at SOC. This includes following all other eligibility rules. Institutions registering competitors are responsible for verifying this information.
- International students will be eligible to compete at the national level* (Skills Canada National Competition SCNC) and WorldSkills Team Canada (WSTC)** (secondary only for Fashion Design and Web Development and Design), provided they meet the regular, age-eligibility and international status requirements for SCNC and WSTC.
- *SCNC: Canadian citizens, permanent residents (landed immigrants), protected persons and international students have the right to compete at SCNC. International Students must have been registered in a secondary or post-secondary level school at any time between July 1st of the year of the last SCNC, and the start date of SCNC for which the competitor is registered. If a competitor’s study permit expires prior to SCNC, the competitor must ensure that they have legal standing to stay in Canada in order to participate at SCNC.
- **WSTC: Competitors who competed at SCNC 2025 as International Students and who are invited to be a member of WSTC must meet the following criteria throughout the training period, inclusive of the WorldSkills 2026 competition (Skills Competences Canada will be requesting documented proof throughout the process):
- Physically reside in Canada.
- Be approved to live in Canada or have temporary residence status.
- International students will be eligible to compete at the national level* (Skills Canada National Competition SCNC) and WorldSkills Team Canada (WSTC)** (secondary only for Fashion Design and Web Development and Design), provided they meet the regular, age-eligibility and international status requirements for SCNC and WSTC.
- Baking/ Culinary Arts: Competitors who are not 19 years of age or older on the day of the competition (date listed in the scope), if they wish to use any alcohol listed from the common table/ ingredients list, each competitor must consult with a Provincial Technical Committee (PTC) member for assistance. A Provincial Technical Committee member will dispense the desired amount within the recipe for the competitor and add it to the recipe on their behalf. Competitors will be required to present proof of age before being eligible to participate in these contests.
- Be 21 years of age or younger as of December 31st in the competition year. Proof of age must be available upon request.
- A competitor may only participate on Team Canada at WorldSkills once. Following the completion of being a competitor at WorldSkills, a competitor is welcome to compete again at the Skills Ontario Competition and the Skills Canada National competition, if they meet all other eligibility requirements, but they will be unable to qualify again for Team Canada.
- Be enrolled in a secondary program of study directly related or similar* to the contest in which they will compete, within the current school year**. Exception: Pin and Medal contest. Any student, regardless of their program, may submit a design.
- *If the program is not directly related but similar, this must be disclosed to the Director of Competitions prior to student registration to determine similarity and fairness to being allowed to compete. Skills Compétences Canada will likely be referenced for the final decision.
- ** Example: if a semester finishes in December, this is still being enrolled within the current school year of the competition and an institution may select this student to represent them as a competitor.
- Have been earning high school credits any time during the current school year.
- Competitors MUST be trained or knowledgeable in ALL components of their chosen contest in order to participate
- Proof of related subject/training must be available upon request.
- Be registered as a competitor with Skills Ontario.
- Competitors may compete in only one (1) contest at the Skills Ontario Competition (exception: the Pin and Medal contest). Students competing at a Qualifying Competition who do not advance in their designated contest area are not permitted to then register for a different contest at the Skills Ontario Competition. This is includes CNC Woodworking, if you submit a project for CNC Woodworking, you can not compete in another contest.
- Students registered in a team event must be enrolled in the same school.
- Students enrolled in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) will be considered secondary level students and will compete at the secondary level, as long as the age criteria is met. Adult OYAP students (22 years of age or older), who are registered apprentices, may apply to compete at the Post-Secondary level (see Post-Secondary Level for eligibility).
- The full list of SCNC Competition Rules (Eligibility) once posted can be found here
Post-Secondary Level Eligibility
Post-Secondary level competitors must meet the following criteria see other requirements below with regards to Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) and WorldSkills Team Canada (WSTC) contests) in the current school year and may be asked to provide proof of any points listed below (at any time, including on-site). Institutions registering competitors are responsible for verifying all eligibility information during their selection process prior to registration:
- International students may now compete at all levels of the Skills Ontario Competition (SOC) and Qualifying Competition, including Elementary, Secondary and Post-Secondary. Competitors must have international student status on the date(s) of their contest, or if a competitor’s study permit expires prior to their contest date(s), the competitor must ensure that they have legal standing in place by their contest start date to stay in Canada in order to participate at SOC. This includes following all other eligibility rules. Institutions registering competitors are responsible for verifying this information.
- International students will be eligible to compete at the national level* (Skills Canada National Competition SCNC) and WorldSkills Team Canada (WSTC)** (secondary only for Fashion Design and Web Development and Design), provided they meet the regular, age-eligibility and international status requirements for SCNC and WSTC.
- *SCNC: Canadian citizens, permanent residents (landed immigrants), protected persons and international students have the right to compete at SCNC. International Students must have been registered in a secondary or post-secondary level school at any time between July 1st of the year of the last SCNC, and the start date of SCNC for which the competitor is registered. If a competitor’s study permit expires prior to SCNC, the competitor must ensure that they have legal standing to stay in Canada in order to participate at SCNC.
- **WSTC: Competitors who competed at SCNC 2025 as International Students and who are invited to be a member of WSTC must meet the following criteria throughout the training period, inclusive of the WorldSkills 2026 competition (Skills Competences Canada will be requesting documented proof throughout the process):
- Physically reside in Canada.
- Be approved to live in Canada or have temporary residence status.
- International students will be eligible to compete at the national level* (Skills Canada National Competition SCNC) and WorldSkills Team Canada (WSTC)** (secondary only for Fashion Design and Web Development and Design), provided they meet the regular, age-eligibility and international status requirements for SCNC and WSTC.
- Be enrolled in a community college or private or vocational school or training delivery agent (i.e. union skilled trades school) that is based in Ontario. This includes: skilled trades/technology course, skilled trades apprenticeship course, or pre-apprenticeship.
- Be enrolled in a post-secondary program of study directly related or similar* to the contest in which they will compete, within the current school year**. Exception: Pin and Medal contest. Any student, regardless of their program, may submit a design.
- *If the program is not directly related but similar, this must be disclosed to the Director of Competitions prior to student registration to determine similarity and fairness to being allowed to compete. Skills Compétences Canada will likely be referenced for the final decision.
- ** Example: if a semester finishes in December, this is still being enrolled within the current school year of the competition and an institution may select this student to represent them as a competitor.
- Be registered as a competitor with Skills Ontario.
- Competitors may compete in only one (1) contest at the Skills Ontario Competition (exception: the Pin and Medal contest).
- Students registered in a team event must be enrolled in the same school.
- The competitor cannot be a certified journeyperson in the trade in which they are competing in.
- If you are a certified journeyperson in a different trade from which you are competing, this must be reviewed prior to registration with the Director of Competitions, to reference similarities and fairness to being allowed to compete. Skills Compétences Canada will likely be referenced for the final decision. It will also be a question during registration to disclose as follow up in case any were not previously reviewed.
- Restaurant Service: Competitors must be 19 years of age or older on the day of the competition (date listed in the scope). Competitors will be required to present proof of age before being eligible to participate in the competition. Any competitor found registered not meeting this eligibility will be disqualified.
- Baking/ Culinary Arts: Competitors who are not 19 years of age or older on the day of the competition (date listed in the scope), if they wish to use any alcohol listed from the common table/ ingredients list, each competitor must consult with a Provincial Technical Committee (PTC) member for assistance. A Provincial Technical Committee member will dispense the desired amount within the recipe for the competitor and add it to the recipe on their behalf. Competitors will be required to present proof of age before being eligible to participate in these contests.
- Competitors must be no older than 29 years of age in the year of the competition (2025). They cannot turn 30 in the year 2025. Proof of age must be available upon request. Any competitor found registered or competing not meeting this eligibility will be disqualified. Click here to learn more.
- In regard to the provincial age eligibility above, any competitor may continue to the Skills Canada National Competition, as part of Team Ontario. A competitor who competes at the Skills Canada National Competition who is not WorldSkills age eligible is still able to medal, but would not be eligible to qualify as part of Team Canada for the WorldSkills International Competition. If the contest continues to WorldSkills, then to be eligible as part of Team Canada, a competitor must meet the WorldSkills age eligibility:
- WorldSkills qualifying occurs on odd years.
- A Competitor at the WorldSkills Competition must not be older than 22 in the year of the Competition. Competitors in Mechatronics, Aircraft Maintenance, and Cloud Computing, must not be older than 25 years in the year of the Competition. For more information, please click here.
- A competitor may only participate on Team Canada at WorldSkills once. Following the completion of being a competitor at WorldSkills, a competitor is welcome to compete again at the Skills Ontario Competition and the Skills Canada National competition, if they meet all other eligibility requirements, but they will be unable to qualify again for Team Canada.
- All competitors must be able to show either current apprenticeship or Journeyperson candidate status and/or proof of age upon request of the Technical Chair and/ or Skills Ontario staff if requested.
- The full list of SCNC Competition Rules (Eligibility) once posted can be found here
- To be invited to be a member of WSTC, competitors must meet the WorldSkills (WS) age eligibility requirements: Competitors must not be older than 22 in the year of the WorldSkills Competition (WSC). Exceptions exist in Mechatronics, Aircraft Maintenance, and Cloud Computing where competitors must not be older than 25 in the year of the WSC.
Rules and Regulations
- A minimum score of 60% will be required to receive any medal or to be eligible to advance to the Skills Canada National Competition.
- Translators or other accommodations, if required, must be requested during the online competitor registration process and reviewed prior to approval. The terms “translator” and “interpreter” refer to persons undertaking written or oral language translation on-site during the competition. A requested translator if required, ensures all competitors get the same information, enabling them to compete on an equal footing. Translators must be introduced to all competitors during orientation so all are aware. Translators are not to provide additional information as a result of the interpreter’s work other then what is provided. Translators will make accurate, complete and impartial interpretation from the English language and vice-versa, for all communications during the competition using their best skill, judgement and ability. Interpreters will be organized and/or approved by Skills Ontario to mitigate the risk of cheating.
- Competitors must be on time for their contest. Late arrivals may or may not be allowed to compete, but no "make-up" time will be given. Disqualification or a penalty will be at the discretion of the Technical Chair and prior to any official disqualification(s), the Director will review the situation for approval. Refer to contest scope for start times.
- Competitor orientation will be facilitated by the Technical Committee members and attendance is mandatory. If clarification is required during the contest, competitors should seek it from the Technical Committee members.
- Competitors and volunteers on a contest site must wear/bring appropriate dress/safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE)/tools or equipment as specified in the contest scope and/or as required. Competitors will not be permitted to participate and will be disqualified if they do not come prepared with all safety dress/equipment specified in the scope.
- Competitors must be dressed in a clean, appropriate and presentable manner with no logos other than that of their institution in which they are representing of who registered them. The Skills Ontario logo may also be used and are to email Ariel Deutschmann adeutschmann@skillsontario.com, Communications Manager, to receive the appropriate file, branding instructions and approval. Any clothing or logos that are inappropriate or are not a logo of the institution in which the competitor represents, will be asked to be removed or to be covered. If a competitor refuses to remove or cover a logo(s), the situation will be reviewed with the Director. Logos that are of the brand of clothing or personal protective equipment being warn who make the clothing or personal protective equipment are allowed – example: bib coveralls worn with a small logo patch of the name of the company who makes the coveralls
- It is highly recommended that for attending the Skills Ontario Closing Ceremony, a competitor is dressed in a clean, appropriate and presentable manner for an awards ceremony. The Ceremony will be not only live streamed, but photographers and media on site, including potential employers, sponsors for scholarships, bursaries and prizes, but as well to professionally represent yourself and your institution proudly. Do not come in sweatpants, pants hanging with underwear exposed, ripped jeans, graphic tops with inappropriate content, etc. If your name is called as a medal recipient, to remove your hat prior to joining on stage. This will not only assist in photographs, but also provide an easier experience to place the medal over your head.
- Competitors will not be permitted to participate until they have all appropriate safety dress attire/ equipment. If a competitor comes unprepared with out all required safety dress attire/ equipment as specified in the scope, if someone can obtain it for the competitor and bring it to the competitor, the competitor will be allowed to compete, but no additional time will be provided for the competitor in any lost time taken to obtained any missing components. A competitor is not allowed to start competing while someone is obtaining missing safety dress attire/ equipment and must wait until it arrives. If a competitor comes unprepared with out all safety dress attire/ equipment and is unable to obtain missing dress attire/ equipment to able to safely compete, they will be disqualified. It is the responsibility of the competitor to read the scope and come prepared with everything required of the competitor. Skills Ontario can not assist in obtaining any missing safety dress attire/ equipment/ tools that was not brought to the competition by the competitor as noted in the scope, as it provides an unfair advantage. Safety is a priority, and no exceptions will be made to allow a competitor to compete until they have all required safety dress attire/ equipment.
- Competitors must ensure BYOD - Bring Your Own Device - computers have up to date antivirus software. Failure to have up to date antivirus software could result in point deduction(s) or disqualification from the contest. Click HERE for the Toronto Congress Centre’s Antivirus Policy for BYOD.
- Competitors may only compete in one (1) contest. With the exception of Pin and Medal. A competitor may submit to one (1) or both pin and medal contests, and still compete in a qualifying or provincial contest.
- If a competitor competes at the Qualifying competition in one (1) of the four (4) contests, but they do not advance to provincials be wither a medal or wild card, they may then not compete in a different contest that enters directly to provincials.
- Competitors may not speak or communicate in any manner to spectators during their contest (this includes but is not limited to teachers, advisors, parents, guardians, media, employers, etc). Competitors may have points deducted or be disqualified at the Judges’ and Technical Committee Chair’s discretion. This includes spectators trying to make contact with competitors either verbal or non verbal. A volunteer who is of the same institution as a competitor and/or trainer of a competitor may still volunteer, but can not speak to the competitor once orientation has started. The volunteer will be assigned to other stations/ rotations and is not allowed to judge said competitor(s).
- Competitors may be excused for washroom breaks at the discretion of the Technical Committee members. Competitors may be escorted to ensure there is no communication with teachers/advisors/etc to limit the opportunity for outside assistance.
- Books, notes, materials and assisting devices as well as smart devices and smart watches are not permitted during the contest by competitors, unless the items are identified in the contest scope prior to the competition or during orientation. If discovered, a warning, penalty or possible disqualification could occur at the discretion of the Technical Chair. Prior to any official disqualification(s), the Director will review the situation for approval.
- A competitor may put forth a conflict resolution if they feel there is a disadvantage to themselves and/or another. This will be reviewed during competitor orientation and further information may be found below the rules and regulations.
- All competitors and volunteers have been provided the privacy policy and code of conduct during registration to review and abide by.
- A competitor promises to compete fairly, respecting and abiding by the code of conduct, the competition rules and regulations, and eligibility.
- A contest committee volunteer promises to officiate with complete impartiality, respecting and abiding by the code of conduct, competition rules and regulations and the value of integrity, fairness and transparency.
- Any person (competitor, technical committee member, judge, volunteer, advisor, spectator, etc) who is found guilty of dishonest conduct should be aware that there is zero tolerance for cheating and plagiarism. Anyone who is found guilty of dishonest or unsafe conduct will be immediately disqualified and removed from the contest.
- Any contest/scope/equipment questions submitted from competitors or advisors to the competition department staff and/or Technical Committee after 5pm two (2) weeks prior to the competition, will likely not be answered. Read the scope and ask questions early.
- The parameters of where artificial intelligence (AI) can and cannot be used at the Skills Ontario Competition are articulated within each contest scope. Some Skills Ontario contests strictly forbid AI use in any form, while others permit it under certain circumstances, which are articulated within each contest scope. All AI use must be documented by competitors and submitted to judges.
- Competitors and/or their teachers are not permitted on site during setup (Wed-Sun and Monday evening). Any individuals found on site during these times will be asked to leave the building immediately. Please note that unauthorized presence during setup may be perceived as an unfair advantage, and could result in a formal grievance being submitted by another team through the conflict resolution process.
- Toolboxes must not be shipped in advance to the Toronto Congress Centre. Skills Ontario and the Toronto Congress Centre are not responsible for accepting, storing, or securing any toolboxes prior to your arrival. All toolboxes must be brought with you on the morning of your contest and removed at the end of the contest day.
Conflict Resolution Procedure
The Conflict Resolution Procedure is in place to ensure all competitors are treated equally and fairly during the Qualifying and Skills Ontario Competition. If a competitor feels they have been treated unfairly, they are asked to begin the process described below.
Rules & Regulations
- Protests can only be made by the competitor (not an advisor, teacher, guardian, etc)
- If a competitor finishes the competition early and leaves the contest site/video call, they is forfeiting their opportunity to submit a Conflict Resolution. The Conflict Resolution must be submitted before leaving the contest site, up to fifteen (15) minutes after the completion of the contest. Reference the contest Scope for the agenda of the contest times, or when the Technical Chair states the end of the contest (ie started late, therefore finishes later).
- Competitors cannot submit a Conflict Resolution (informal or formal) about the results/medal standings (after the fifteen (15) minutes of the completion of the contest). All protests must be made on the contest site/ video call/ email if submission only, to be able to discuss/ review with the Technical Chair(s) as they are the only ones who can identify a discrepancy in the scoring of the contest.
To learn more about formal/informal protests, click here.
Skills Canada National Competition and WorldSkills
Ontario will send medal representatives (Team Ontario) to those contests where a national competition is held in secondary and post-secondary contests to the Skills Canada National Competition. Please refer to the Contest List above for contests that are offered at this level. Please note this list is subject to change, as determined by the National Secretariat.
Ontario competitors will be notified of their qualification upon receipt of their medal at the Skills Ontario Competition Closing Ceremony. A mandatory Team Ontario meeting will then follow the Closing Ceremony. Once informed of their eligibility to compete at the Skills Canada National Competition, competitors must immediately provide Skills Ontario with their decision of whether or not to participate within two days of the ceremony. This is to be able to provide names to the airline, hotel and registration with a very tight turn around period to when the travel it to occur.
Click here for more information.
Team Ontario Meeting
Competitors and advisors who advance to the National competition will meet at the stage/seating in front of the stage directly after the Closing Ceremony at the Toronto Congress Centre in the North Building. It is mandatory that competitor, advisor and/or registration contact attend this meeting as it is vitally important. Information must be submitted to the national office within 2 days.
Results
Below you will find the results from previous competitions. Results for the 2024 competition will be added on May 17th.
