Maximilian De Belle-Holowka

Biography
A year ago, when I was figuring out what to do with my life, my stepfather invited me to work with his masonry company. I absolutely loved it. The day I laid my first brick I was hooked! So, naturally I went to school for Bricklaying. I get great satisfaction from being meticulous and creating something from scratch. My goal is to open my own masonry company and expand it outside of Quebec.

I was inspired to enter Skills competitions after I noticed a banner in the rafters at my school honouring former student Miguel Massa, a Quebec Skills competitor who represented Team Canada at WorldSkills Lyon 2024, in Bricklaying. I was awestruck! So, when my teachers invited me to compete in the regional Skills competition, I immediately agreed. My journey to being selected to compete at the 48th WorldSkills Competition, in Shanghai, has been a dream come true!

My biggest challenge in Shanghai will be the competition itself, as it will be the most complex work I’ll ever do. But I’ll make sure I’m prepared!

Interesting Fact
I have a huge family. We are 10 people living in one house!

Skills for Success
Problem Solving and Adaptability are key skills to learn for the competition. You can be perfectly prepared, but situations always come up where you need to be able to think quickly, problem solve and adapt to whatever situation that is thrown at you.