Last Saturday (April 22nd) was a big one for students from Chestermere High School.

10 students competed in the Skills Alberta, Calgary Regionals putting their best trades skills to the test in Cabinet Making, Welding and Carpentry.

Construction Teacher Andrew Autet explains why he loves sending students to this event.

"It's as close to a simulation to real life as we can get. We teach and engage students in an environment where we're to encourage multiple attempts, multiple chances to be successful. An event like this, really just tests the skills and knowledge that you've got and you're judged at the end of the day."

Of the 10 students that competed, one took cold in his Cabinet Making event, while another finished 4th which makes him eligible for the Provincials going from May 10-11th.

Autet says the Skills Alberta competitions provide more than just a place to show off their love of trades but to build their character.

"I tell a lot of my kids, be fearless! Sometimes in life it's more important to be brave then smart. At the end of the day when you get an opportunity, you're not completely certain of the result, 'do you want to do it?' The answer is lots of the time, yah."

For Autet, it's a sense of great joy knowing the students are pursuing careers to call their own.