Posted on August 30, 2019

VCC students rank high at WorldSkills Kazan 2019

For the first time, two Vancouver Community College (VCC) students have ranked among the best in the world in their skilled trades.

After six days of Olympic-esque ceremonies and intense competition, WorldSkills Kazan 2019 wrapped up on Tuesday, August 27 in Kazan, Russia with VCC baking and pastry arts apprentice Clarissa Roque placing 5th out of 23 competitors in her category, and VCC culinary apprentice Leah Patitucci placing 11th out of 48.

Of the 32-member Team Canada competing in Kazan, 14 were also awarded Medallions of Excellence for their work, including Clarissa and Leah. In total, over 1,300 young professionals from 63 countries and regions competed in the event.

Over the past two years, both Clarissa and Leah have continuously won their way into higher and higher levels of competition, starting with regional Skills Canada competitions, then provincials, nationals, and finally earning spots on WorldSkills Team Canada 2019.

In addition to school and work, both competitors spent countless hours training in VCC kitchens alongside chef instructors and other culinary experts and coaches. Both students also generously gave their time to local media for news and radio interviews (see more below).

Upon her return to Canada, Leah will continue her work in fine dining at The Pear Tree Restaurant in Burnaby, B.C., and Clarissa will continue perfecting her craft at Chez Christophe Chocolaterie Patisserie.

Please join all of VCC in congratulating these women for their outstanding performances on the international stage, and stay tuned for more stories from Russia!

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