Sam Rufenacht is competing with the best at Nationals in Halifax after winning provincials in a Skills Canada heavy equipment service competition.
The heavy equipment service apprentice has worked at Rimbey Implements since he was 16-years-old. Now, 19, he has taken training as a heavy equipment service man at Red Deer College and Olds College.
He was among the top students picked by instructors at Red Deer College to compete in the provincial competition which took place over two six hours days. During the competition competitors worked on engines, hydraulics, drive lines, electrical and steering and brake suspensions. They were also judged on work place practices.
Rufenacht said the winners were announced at the closing ceremonies.
“I didn’t know I had won until the end,” he said. “I was a little bit surprised, but happy.”
Now, facing the Nationals he is “excited and nervous.”
The young man is unsure of future plans, but will continue to work in the heavy equipment industry.
“I enjoy the challenge and the problem solving aspect of it,” he said.
Rufenacht is the son of Benz and Christine and he has two younger brothers, Lukas and Sven.
The family live west of Hoadley and Rufenacht is a graduate of Rimbey Junior/Senior High School.