OTTAWA, Nov. 13, 2012 /CNW/ – Skills/Compétences Canada, a not-for-profit organization that actively promotes careers in skilled trades and technologies, today announced the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) has signed on as a Presenting Sponsor of the 2013 Skills Canada National Competition.

The annual Competition tests the best and brightest skilled trade students against exacting industry standards configured by a National Technical Committee comprised of skilled trade and technology experts from industry and education. From June 5 – 8, 2013, Canada’s best skilled trade and technology students, along with industry, government and educators, will gather in Vancouver where more than 500 students are expected to participate. The event will feature at least 40 skilled trade competitions ranging from carpentry and mobile robotics to welding, aircraft maintenance and fashion design.

With $61 billion in capital investment by the oil and gas industry forecasted for 2012 and significant production growth expected over the next decade, one of industry’s fundamental challenges is a lack of skilled workers.

“Our member companies are facing new and emerging challenges resulting from the growing shortage of skilled workers,” said Travis Davies, Spokesperson for CAPP. “We need to work with other industry leaders and organizations such as Skills Canada to attract more young Canadians into the skilled trades and provide more employment-based training opportunities. Supporting the 2013 Skills Canada National Competition is an important event to help bring this critical issue to the forefront.”

The Canadian oil and gas industry currently supports about 550,000 direct and indirect jobs across Canada. These jobs encompass both professionals and skilled trades of all types – electricians, pipefitters, mechanics, welders, technicians and specialists, just to name a few. Employment in Canada as a result of new oil sands investments is expected to grow from 75,000 jobs in 2010 to 905,000 jobs in 2035, including about 126,000 jobs sourced in provinces other than Alberta. Those numbers include all types of jobs, but many of them are skilled trades positions.

“Industry and labour groups have become more proactive than ever in raising awareness of the many job opportunities available in the skilled trades. Organizations like CAPP have discovered the value in engaging with industry associations, educators and government to generate interest and gain the inside track on finding the brightest and the best skilled tradespersons,” says Shaun Thorson, CEO of Skills/Compétences Canada. “Events such as our National Competition play a pivotal role in bringing talent and industry leaders together.”

Industries that depend on skilled trade workers are key drivers of the Canadian economy and contribute over 50% of Canada’s GDP – or over $550 billion, according to Statistics Canada.

The Skills Canada National Competition provides an opportunity for students to be tested not only against industry standards, but also against their peers from across the nation in their chosen discipline. The event attracts school groups and young career-seekers who can take part in interactive Try-a-Trade^® and Technology activities, as well as employers and recruiters, industry associations, labour groups, training institutes and government partners.

For more information on the next Skills Canada National Competition, click here.

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 trades 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.

About CAPP
The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) represents companies, large and small, that explore for, develop and produce natural gas and crude oil throughout Canada. CAPP’s member companies produce about 90 per cent of Canada’s natural gas and crude oil. CAPP’s associate members provide a wide range of services that support the upstream crude oil and natural gas industry. Together CAPP’s members and associate members are an important part of a national industry with revenues of about $100 billion-a-year. CAPP’s mission is to enhance the economic sustainability of the Canadian upstream petroleum industry in a safe and environmentally and socially responsible manner, through constructive engagement and communication with governments, the public and stakeholders in the communities in which we operate. For more information visit www.capp.ca.

SOURCE: SKILLS/COMPETENCES CANADA