Gold at Skills Ontario propels Midland student to national competition

May 25, 2026

Just a few weeks ago, Logan Wilkey was celebrating a gold-medal podium finish at the Skills Ontario competition. Now, he’s gearing up to represent Team Canada at the Skills Canada national competition in Toronto on May 28. This was the second year in a row that all Georgian students claimed gold, silver and bronze in the Outdoor Powered Equipment category, a true testament to Georgian’s Mechanical Techniques – Marine Engine Mechanic program at the Midland Campus.

Growing up near Georgian Bay, Logan quickly developed a love for the water and engines, and decided that it could be an exciting career. He’s always enjoyed working with machines to create power and tinkering with chainsaws, ATVs and go-karts. Being homeschooled throughout high school gave him the chance to find his dream career path, having his parents to thank for supporting him as he pursued his passion.

I love being by the water, the engines, and the unknown of what tomorrow will bring to the job as everyday changes and challenges you. I also love the working environment and the people I get to help.

After visiting Open House at the Midland Campus, Logan knew right away that Georgian was the place for him. Reflecting on his time here, Logan says every part of the program and his experience has been incredible. “There really isn’t just one part of my experience that was the best,” he says. “The top-notch instructors and mentors at Georgian prepared me very well for a future in the trades.

Logan describes winning gold at Skills Ontario in one word: surreal. “I went there to do the tasks I had been taught and to enjoy the experience,” he says. “Winning was obviously in my mind as a possibility, but it hadn’t been the focus of the experience. Doing my best was what I was focused on.” As he continues to prepare for Skills Canada, he says he’s been doing a lot of studying of course materials and practicing in the on-campus workshop.

“Georgian has the best teachers, staff, and resources in the trades. The workshop is second to none. The test cells are incredible to train in; it’s true on the job training from getting to work on SeaDoos to outboards to V8s to getting to wire up a whole boat, to all the theory that goes behind the hands-on work. There’s nothing like the experience you get at the Midland Campus.

With graduation also approaching, Logan has already secured an apprenticeship at Bridge Port Marina in Orillia. He also plans to return to Georgian for his apprenticeship training, continuing his studies with Mercury University and Volvo Penta Training, and completing his ABYC Certification in Marine Systems and Marine Electrical.

“I’m so grateful for my experience at Georgian and Skills, and for all the wonderful people I’ve met along the way. Skills competitions are a great learning environment to test your skills when it matters under pressure. You find out what you really know and what you’ve retained from your learning. It’s also a good team building experience. Supporting each other and spending the time together as a group invested in the trade during the competition was incredible. I’m excited for what this week at Skills Canada has to bring!”