VANCOUVER – Canada’s most talented post-secondary students and apprentices will compete at the 2022 Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) in Vancouver in May.

“The Skills Canada National Competition lets young people from across the country shine,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training. “From bricklaying and carpentry to graphic design, computer animation and cooking, this event showcases talent, connects youth with employers and promotes careers in the skilled trades and technologies.” Scheduled for the Vancouver Convention Centre, SCNC is the only national, multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices in the country. More than 300 competitors from all regions of Canada will participate in 37 skilled trade and technology competitions from May 26-27.

“Events like this provide an opportunity for competitors to show off their skills and encourages participants to pursue careers in good-paying, in-demand fields,” said Andrew Mercier, Parliamentary Secretary for Skills Training. “As we wrap up a busy Apprenticeship Recognition Month, it is exciting to look ahead to the talent we’ll see in Vancouver this spring.” By providing a forum where Canadians can compete at the national level, SCNC provides hands-on experience related to skilled trade and technology careers. Participants will compete in skill areas which represent six sectors: construction, manufacturing and engineering, transportation, information technology, services and employment. High school students from across the Lower Mainland will be invited to come watch the competition in-person, visit the Indigenous showcase and the many industry exhibitors that will be on site. They can learn about the various career opportunities in the skills trades and technologies, while trying their hand at the interactive Try-A-Trade and Technology activities.

In support of this hosting opportunity, the Province is providing $250,000 to Skills/Compétences Canada (SCC). This national, not-for-profit organization was founded in 1989 and has partner 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.

Quotes:

Shaun Thorson, chief executive officer, Skills/Compétences Canada –
“The Skills Canada National Competition is a great way to connect with our future skilled workforce and engage them in career exploration and discovery. At SCNC, youth can learn more about the many diverse careers that exist in the skilled trades and technologies and the different educational pathways they can follow to be successful.”
Elaine Allan, executive director, Skills Canada British Columbia – “Skills Canada BC is pleased to be the host province for the 2022 Skills Canada National Competition in Vancouver.  Spectators will be able to the watch B.C.’s best compete for gold in skilled trade and technology competitions and participate in special B.C.-focused events.”

Shelley Gray, chief executive officer, Industry Training Authority – “Skills Canada competitions are always an exciting and positive experience for competitors as well as spectators. The skill levels, passion and pride demonstrated at the competition is inspirational to all, especially to students who are thinking about their career options, and we’re looking forward to meeting the next generation of bright, skilled tradespeople from across the country.”

Quick Facts:

• November 2021 is Apprenticeship Recognition Month in B.C.
• The Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training and the Industry Training Authority (ITA) is highlighting the roles apprentices play in building a stronger B.C, as well as opportunities for people to start a career in the skilled trades.
• B.C. invests $99 million a year in trades education through the ITA.
• According to the 2019 Labour Market Outlook, 75,000 tech-related job openings, such as computer programmers, engineers and software designers, are expected in the 10-year period from 2019-29.
• In the trades, approximately 73,000 job openings are expected during the same time frame in occupations such as millwrighting, carpentry, construction and heavy-duty machinery.

Contacts:

Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Training
Media Relations
250 833-0969

Michèle Rogerson
Communications
Skills/Compétences Canada
343 883-7545, ext. 509