Students from the Biddeford Regional Center of Technology won six medals in the state SkillsUSA competition, held recently in Bangor.
The 28-member team brought home two gold medals, two silver medals, and two bronze — demonstrating skill, dedication and career readiness across a range of fields.
SkillsUSA is a national organization dedicated to empowering the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
At this year’s SkillsUSA Maine event, more than 100 high school and middle school competitions took place with Biddeford Regional Center of Technology students competing as teams or as individuals in 19 events, including automotive technology, certified nursing assistant, computer technology, electrical technology, EMT, engineering and architecture, plumbing and heating and welding.
SkillsUSA places strong emphasis on leadership development and professional growth. Students have the opportunity to participate in leadership conferences, community service projects and career exploration activities.
The two gold medal winners for Biddeford Regional Center of Technology were both from Thornton Academy in Saco. Jack Squires topped the competition in CNC programming and Roberto Tshimayi Ngaba led the field in the plumbing and heating category.
Earning silver medals were Zayne Provencher of Biddeford High School, in IT programming and Ethan MacWilliam of Old Orchard Beach High School in CNC 3-Axis milling programming.
Gregory Casivant of Thornton Academy and Thomas Go of Biddeford High School took bronze medals in welding and architectural drafting, respectively.
“Winning gold means a lot, but what I’m most proud of is the work that went into getting here,” commented gold medalist Roberto Tshimayi Ngaba.
“Plumbing is all about precision and problem-solving, and this competition really tested both,” he said. “BRCOT has given me the hands-on experience and confidence to take my skills to the next level, and I’m excited for what comes next.”
The gold medalists qualified to go on to compete in the annual national leadership and skills conference in Atlanta in June.
