Next Stop: WorldSkills Leipzig 2013
EDMONTON, May 16, 2012 /CNW/ – (SKILLS CANADA NATIONAL COMPETITION 2012) – Canada’s best and brightest skilled trade and technology students received official recognition for their outstanding performance as Skills/Compétences Canada announced the results of the Skills Canada National Competition. The closing ceremonies, held today inEdmonton, were highlighted by the parade of champions and the announcement of the Members of Team Canada, whose next stop will be WorldSkills Leipzig 2013.
The essential contribution of skilled trades to the economic and social well being of all Canadians was a common theme throughout the closing ceremonies. Highlights included keynote addresses from Dr. Kellie Leitch, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honorable Diane Finley, Minister of HRSDC, the Honorable, Naresh Bhardwaj, MLA Edmonton-Ellerslie, Ken Pischke, Senior Vice-President, Cenovus Energy (Presenting Sponsor of the 2012 Competition), and Mike Holmes, Official Spokesperson for Skills Canada and Canada’s Most Trusted Contractor.
“Our government’s top priority is job creation and economic growth, and we recognize that, as the future workforce, young Canadians have much to contribute to our country’s long-term prosperity,” said Dr. Kellie Leitch, Parliamentary Secretary to Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, during the closing ceremony. “Through our grants, tax creditsand support for training programs and skills competitions, we are encouraging apprenticeships and careers in the skilled trades.”
The Skills Canada National Competition is the only national, Olympic-style, multi-trade and technology event of its kind for young students and apprentices in the country. The event took place May 14-15th at the Edmonton EXPO Centre in Edmonton City, Alberta where forty different assigned projects were showcased in major skilled trade and technology categories. Competitors were evaluated by independent judges from the respective industry sectors, who based their decisions on industry standards and established work practices, including such criteria as quality of work, safety, cleanliness, skill level and creativity.
“The goal of this annual Competition is to reward students for excellence in the skilled trades, while directly involving industry leaders and educators in the training process and in evaluating their performance in a way that is relevant to employers’ needs,” said Shaun Thorson, CEO, Skills Canada. “The enthusiasm and hard work shown by the competitors throughout the Competition has been inspiring and we want to congratulate each one. We also want to thank and acknowledge the ongoing support from the Government of Canada, sponsors and organizers for working with us to ensure that there is a bright future for Canada’s skilled trade and technology workforce.”
Medalists A total of 180 medals were awarded to the top champions in six skilled trade and technology categories: transportation, construction, manufacturing, information and technology, service and employment. Best of Region competitors were also recognized for having the highest competitive score by category for their Region. Click here for the complete results.
Team Canada for WorldSkills Leipzig 2013 The 35 members of Team Canada heading to WorldSkills Leipzig 2013 will compete in 33 skill categories against more than 900 Competitors from 51 Member countries/regions. The four-day WorldSkills Competition is the biggest of its kind in the world and considered the pinnacle of excellence in skilled trades and technologies training.Click here for the members of Team Canada.
About Skills/Compétences Canada Skills/Compétences Canada was founded in 1989 as a national, not-for-profit organization that works with employers, educators, labour groups and governments to promote skilled trades and technology careers among Canadian youth. Its unique position among private and public sector partners enables it to work toward securing Canada’s future skilled labour needs while helping young people and aspiring apprentices discover rewarding careers. Skills/Compétences Canada offers experiential learning opportunities including skilled trades and technology competitions for hundreds of thousands of young Canadians through regional, provincial/territorial, national and international events, as well as skilled trade awareness programs. Many programs highlight digital and essential skills, which are crucial qualifications in most careers of today. Headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, Skills/Compétences Canada is the Canadian Member organization of WorldSkills International. For more information about Skills/Compétences Canada visit www.skillscanada.com, or call 877-754-5226.
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SOURCE SKILLS/COMPETENCES CANADA
