Contractor Olympics Gives Holy Trinity CSS Students a Hands-On Look at Careers in the Skilled Trades 

June 3, 2026

Students at Holy Trinity Catholic Secondary School put their skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities to the test during the seventh annual Contractor Olympics, a full-day outdoor event that transformed the school’s athletic field into a trades-focused showcase.

Approximately 80 students participated in the event, competing in teams of up to four through a series of challenges designed to highlight the practical skills learned in Holy Trinity’s construction and skilled trades programs. The field was filled with heavy equipment, industry demonstrations, interactive activities, and opportunities for students to connect with representatives from skilled trades organizations and unions.

What began several years ago as a creative way to engage students during the COVID-19 pandemic has evolved into one of the school’s signature experiential learning events.

“It started out like a COVID thing to get the kids doing something interesting. Every year, I’m improving it and developing the best program that I can. Today is a showcase of the skills we show in our construction class,” said Gord Wornoff, Teacher at Holy Trinity CSS and organizer of the event.

Students embraced both the competitive and educational aspects of the day.

“It’s really good and it’s well organized and we are having a great time,” said Quinn McCurdie, a Grade 11 student participant.

For graduating students, the event also provided valuable opportunities to explore career pathways and build connections within the skilled trades sector.

“It’s giving the trades students a great opportunity to get out there and talk to unions,” said Caden Flowers, a Grade 12 student.

The success of the Contractor Olympics was made possible through the support of community and industry partners. Black & McDonald served as the event’s main sponsor, helping bring a variety of equipment, activities, and resources to the day.

“We’ve been lucky and fortunate to have sponsors for our prizes. A bunch of Canadian companies have donated something, like Home Hardware, Lee Valley, the carpenters’ union, the electrical workers’ union. Black & McDonald is our main sponsor this year. They have all these trucks. They brought a bucket lift that kids can throw footballs into. They made a generous donation that I was able to get these materials with and all the food is compliments of Black & McDonald. They really stepped up,” added Wornoff.

The Contractor Olympics reflects PVNC Catholic’s commitment to providing students with authentic, hands-on learning experiences that help connect classroom learning with future career opportunities. 

Through partnerships with industry leaders and skilled trades organizations, students gain valuable exposure to rewarding career pathways while developing the skills and confidence needed for success beyond graduation.