Vying for Gold in the Trades – Skills Canada National Competition to take Top Talent to Germany
2012 Skills Canada National Competition now underway at the Edmonton EXPO Centre
EDMONTON, May 14, 2012 /CNW/ – (SKILLS CANADA NATIONAL COMPETITION 2012) – Canada’s best skilled trade and technology students, representing all provinces and territories, have gathered in Edmonton today for the start of the 2012 Skills Canada National Competition. The Competition takes place May 14-15th, at the Edmonton EXPO Centre, Northlands. More than 500 students will participate in the event which features more than 40 skill areas ranging from robotics to welding and cooking to aircraft maintenance.
The Competition sees the top talent in Canada tested against exacting industry standards configured by a National Technical Committee comprised of skilled trade and technology experts from industry and education.
“This annual Competition is one of the major initiatives that Skills/Competences Canada undertakes to raise awareness of the growing career opportunities in the trades and technologies”, said Shaun Thorson, Chief Executive Officer, Skills/Compétences Canada. “Canada’s workforce is ageing rapidly and our birthrate is declining, which will lead to a shortage of about 1 million workers by 2020. With ongoing support from the Government of Canada, industry leaders and educators, these young people represent a bright future for the next generation of skilled trade and technology workers.”
In addition to the Competition, the event offers an opportunity for 10,000 visiting students and young career-seekers to take part in interactive Try-A-Trade® and Technology Demonstrations. Activities cover a broad range of skills from designing a home using the latest architectural software to the culinary art of carving vegetables.
The Skills Canada National Competition is made possible thanks to the support of many sponsors, notably:
- The Government of Canada – Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
- Presenting Sponsor – Cenovus Energy
- Premier Sponsor – TransCanada
- Premier Sponsor – United Association of Journeymen and apprentices of the plumbing and pipefitting industry
Mike Holmes, Canada’s Most Trusted Contractor, and the Official Spokesperson for Skills/Compétences Canada , will be actively involved throughout the event, supporting the competitors in action and attending the Closing Ceremony where this years’ award winners will be announced.
Winners from the Skills Canada National Competition 2012 may qualify to compete on Team Canada at the 42nd WorldSkills Competition, in Leipzig, Germany, in July of 2013. The Members of Team Canada will be announced at the Closing Ceremony on May 16th.
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.
Follow Skills/Compétences Canada on Twitter follow hashtag #SCC2012, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr.
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Media Contacts:
ALBERTA MEDIA:
Karissa Boley
NATIONAL Public Relations
Tel: 403-531-0331, Cell: 587-899-2510
NATIONAL MEDIA
Caroline McGrath
CMM Communications Group (for Skills/Compétences Canada)
Tel: 416 972-1642
