June 3, 2025
In April 2025, four Pipefitting apprentices represented Seaspan Victoria Shipyards at the Skills Canada B.C. Provincial Competition in Abbotsford.
Competitions like Skills Canada B.C. offer a unique opportunity for apprentices to gain hands-on experience under pressure, while they benchmark their skills against peers from other colleges and training programs. They receive real-time feedback from industry experts – often seasoned tradespeople or instructors – which helps them refine their craft. At the start of the competition, each participant was provided with a drawing, a threading machine, raw pipe and fittings, and was tasked with constructing a finished product. With just 7.5 hours to complete the assigned project, accuracy, safety and sportsmanship were the key metrics to earning points, and to top it off, the final assembly from the participants needed to pass a hydro test.
Thanks to the hands-on experience gained daily at Victoria Shipyards, our apprentices had a real advantage and managed to sweep the podium, with Toris Sears taking out 1st, Trenton Nydahl in 2nd, and Ayden Turpel in 3rd, with John Stalker, coming in 4th.
The competing apprentices were all selected by Darren Vaux, Camosun Colleges Department Chair of Pipes Trades who was so impressed by the group throughout their 3rd year of school, he couldn’t select just one!
1st Place: Tori Sears
Tori started with Seaspan in January 2023 as a first-year apprentice and from day one, her drive to learn and passion for the trade really stood out. Since joining the crew, she has been involved in a wide range of projects from the HCWP refit program and the Pipe Fabrication Shop, to commercial work on everything from cruise ships to cargo vessels. She’s constantly levelling up her skills including pipe bending and tackling complex system installs, working with a range of valves and materials. As the winner of the competition, Tori is headed to Regina at the end of the month for the National Competition.
2nd Place: Trenton Nydahl
Trenton joined Seaspan in October 2022. He originally started out in the shipyard’s Labour Department, but through his time on the ships, he found himself naturally drawn to the Pipe Department. Since making the switch, he’s made a big impression on everyone in his crew, receiving a nomination for the Mike Ash Award in December 2024. The recognition he has received shows how much respect he’s garnered, earned through his reliability and skill set when it comes to putting in high-quality systems.
3rd Place: Ayden Turpel
Ayden joined Seaspan in June 2022, and he’s been full steam ahead ever since. He has worked on projects across the yard, even pitching in on night shifts for commercial programs when the team needed help. His attitude and great work ethic make him an invaluable asset to the crew, and they’re all very happy to have him as part of their team.
4th place: John Stalker
Starting in Victoria in October 2021, he has consistently shown the kind attitude and work ethic that builds a strong foundation for a career in the trades. At the competition, John demonstrated impressive skills under pressure and represented our team with pride. His commitment to personal growth is evident in the way he actively seeks constructive feedback.
Congratulations to Tori, Trenton, Ayden and John!