Gene Haas Foundation’s partnership with Skills/Compétences Canada encourages Canadian youth to discover careers in skilled trades and technologies
OTTAWA, Ontario, February 27, 2024 – Skills/Compétences Canada (SCC), a not-for-profit organization that actively promotes careers in the skilled trades and technologies to youth and their communities in Canada, is proud to announce that the Gene Haas Foundation, an organization that supports manufacturing training programs throughout North America and beyond, has continued to be a Premier Sponsor of the Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) 2024, in Québec City. Through the generous support of the Gene Haas Foundation over the last three years, student competitors have been able to hone their machining skills at SCNC. The Gene Haas Foundation’s sponsored Try-A-TradeÒ and Technology booth gives student visitors an outlet to try their hand at CNC Machining and Precision Machining, inspiring the next generation of skilled tradespeople.
“We are very pleased to continue this important partnership with Skills/Compétences Canada to connect the country’s youth to potential careers in the skilled trades through the Skills Canada National Competition. The future of the manufacturing sector comes from initiatives like this, and we hope that our support can inspire youth to look toward skilled trade and technology careers,” said Kathy Looman, Director of Education Grants for the Gene Haas Foundation.
At the Centre de foires d’Expocité, on May 30 and 31, 2024, labour groups, industry partners, government officials, educators, and youth will gather in Québec City where over 500 students and apprentices will compete in more than 40 skilled trade and technology Skill Areas. SCC is pleased to continue working with the Gene Haas Foundation for this year’s upcoming competition. The Gene Haas Foundation will be supporting Skill Areas that introduce thousands of Canadian youths to the interesting world of manufacturing trades.
“Gene Haas Foundation’s continued support for Skills/Compétences Canada has highlighted the meaningful impact of skilled trades and technologies on our society. Through our partnership, we have been able to raise awareness of careers in manufacturing and the skills needed to be successful,” said Shaun Thorson, Chief Executive Officer, Skills/Compétences Canada.
According to a report published by the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF) in 2019, the results indicate that over the next five years, an estimated 66,982 new journeypersons will be required as well as 167,793 new apprentices.
About the Gene Haas Foundation
The Gene Haas Foundation was established in 1999, by Gene Haas, founder and owner of Haas Automation, Inc., to support the needs of the local community, through grants to such local charities as the Boys and Girls Clubs, Food Share, Rescue Mission, and others. Seeing a growing need for skilled manufacturing employees industry wide, the Foundation expanded its mission to include support for manufacturing training programs throughout North America and beyond. By providing scholarship grants, sponsoring individual and team CNC competitions, and partnering with the very best CNC training programs in the world, the Foundation helps expand the availability of high-quality manufacturing technology training worldwide. The Gene Haas Foundation donates millions of dollars every year to manufacturing education and the community. In 2022, the Gene Haas Foundation provided more than $26 million US dollars in grants bringing the total to over $170,000,000.00 since 2012. For more information, visit: ghaasfoundation.org
About Skills/Compétences Canada
Skills/Compétences Canada (SCC) was founded in 1989 as a national, not-for-profit organization with Member Organizations in each of the provinces/territories that work with employers, educators, labour groups and governments to promote skilled trade 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 discover rewarding careers. SCC offers experiential learning opportunities including skilled trade 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. Headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, Skills/Compétences Canada is the Canadian Member organization of WorldSkills. Follow Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Michèle Rogerson, micheler@skillscanada.com, T. 613-266-4471.
