Local high school and post-secondary students were among 77 Greater Toronto Area youths who took home medals in the 19th Ontario Technological Skills Competition, May 5 and May 6.

"All of the competitors should be very pleased with the results achieved at this year's competition," said Gail Smyth, executive director of Skills Canada-Ontario.

During the competition, 1,600 students from school boards, colleges, and training-delivery agents, demonstrated their strengths in designing, building, repairing, and styling. They participated in more than 50 skill contests, including graphic design, culinary arts, plumbing, and workplace safety.

Medal winners from Durham schools include:

Gold

- Rob Strickland, Nicholas Cirinna, Durham College - 3-D character animation.

Bronze

- Jordanne Florio, Erica Wilkinson, Pickering High School - geographic information systems.

- Britney Layne, Durham College - hairstyling.

- Grant Henderson, Durham College - industrial wiring.

- Corey Jones, Dunbarton High School - IT office software application.

Many of the gold medal winners are representing Ontario at the 14th Canadian Skills Competition, held in Calgary May 25-28.

The competition is the showcase event of Skills Canada-Ontario, a non-profit organization that promotes the skilled trades and technologies as a first-choice career option for youth.