I work as an Autobody Technician Instructor for the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). I got involved with Skills/Compétences Canada in 2013. As a past competitor in Car Painting, I wanted to join this amazing organization! I have volunteered on the Provincial Technical Committee, the National Technical Committee and as a WorldSkills Expert. I enjoy volunteering for skills because I can see the impact that these competitions have on youth, and I feel part of their career journey and success. I also like the fact that I am giving back to the community by helping to develop the skills of our future workforce. The biggest difference in volunteering at the Skills Canada National Competition and at the WorldSkills Competition is the culture. Language, customs and processes are different across the world, and it is really interesting to see everyone from different backgrounds come together to compete. 

 Competing in skills competitions took me out of my comfort zone and travelling with my team members helped me develop my interpersonal skills. These competitions gave me confidence in myself and also reinforced that I was on the right career path. It also gave me industry contacts, many of whom I still talk to regularly. I often like to say that competing in skills competitions kickstarted my career and gave me resources to become who I am today. 

Check out this inspiring video featuring Cecile, on why she loves her job!