ST. PAUL - Dorien Lozeau earned some bragging rights recently when he found out he had won a gold medal at the national Skills Canada competition in the car painting category.
Lozeau recently finished his third year as an apprentice and is pursuing a career as an auto body technician. Lozeau is a student at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in Edmonton, but spends most of work days at CSN Black Ace in St. Paul. He's been working with the crew at Black Ace for a number of years - including throughout his entire apprenticeship.
Two years ago, Lozeau competed at the Skills Canada Alberta event and received a silver medal. He says being part of the Skills Canada experience has been good, and he enjoys being able to use the top of the line equipment provided during the challenges and tasks. The competition also normally allows competitors to meet others who are involved in the industry.
While Lozeau has been learning all the skills involved in being an auto body technician, he chose to specifically compete in the car painting category and says it is definitely a part of the job he enjoys.
Lozeau comes by his talents somewhat naturally, since his dad was also involved in the auto body industry. Lozeau enjoyed tinkering around in the shop from a young age. So, in high school he did some work experience and has continued to learn since then.
He says seeing the end result of a project is the most satisfying part of the job, especially when it's a larger project.
Because of his strong performance at provincials and nationals this year, Lozeau will get one more opportunity to take part in the national competition. His first place finish this year has already solidified him a spot at the 2022 national event. If he performs well again, he could earn himself a spot at a global competition.
Time management is a big key to competing at the Skills Canada events. Lozeau says he finished one task with just 10 seconds to spare. Due to the pandemic and protocols in place, Lozeau took part in the national competition at NAIT, rather than travelling elsewhere. He admits it was a different feeling competing on his own, rather than alongside other competitors like he did a couple years ago at provincials, pre-pandemic.
But, he approached the competition with a clear mind and saw it as just another day in the shop. The tasks competitors are asked to complete are things that are done daily in the workplace, so Lozeau looked at it that same way.
"When you're there, it just feels like another day at work," he says.
Corwin Robinson, owner at CSN Black Ace, says it's exciting for the St. Paul-based business to have a young technician who is driven and focused. He describes Lozeau as being a pleasure to work with.
Robinson believes in keeping young people involved and enjoys seeing them become involved in trades. He's hoping Lozeau's experience encourages others to take the step and challenge themselves in an area they are passionate about.
Robinson also says it's been amazing watching Lozeau tackle and overcome challenges, and seeing the growth that has occurred over the years he's been in the shop.
"He's come a long way."
Bronze in aesthetics
Emmaleigh Ayotte also took part in the Skills Canada national competition after getting provincial gold in the aesthetics category. Ayotte is a student at Lakeland College.
She also recently received her results from the national competition, finishing strong with bronze.
