Skills/Compétences Canada (SCC) sat down with Marilou Morin, a member of WorldSkills Team Canada 2017 in Landscape Gardening, to discuss her professional journey and her success at the Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC). Marilou shared that she’s a person who loves to work with her hands. “I think it’s a family trait because my father is a carpenter-joiner. I began my studies in the field of horticulture because I love plants and I enjoy construction. I later became interested in landscape gardening which also allows me to explore my artistic side,” she explained.
“I heard about the Skills Canada National Competition through my school. My teachers said that I would be a very good candidate. After winning at the 2016 national competition, I’m now training for the 2017 WorldSkills Competition being held in Abu Dhabi. My involvement in these competitions has been a big boost to my self confidence, and I know it will help me a lot at WorldSkills,” she said.
SCC asked Marilou to elaborate on her training for the WorldSkills Competition: “My training is taking up a big part of my time and attention. It’s a lot of work, but I know it’ll be worth the effort. I’m very excited to go to WorldSkills and see how I measure up against other competitors from around the world. I know it’ll be a great learning experience, and it will be an impressive addition to my résumé. I’m proud to represent Canada in Landscape Gardening, with my partner Brandon Di Sabato, and I will work very hard to be successful.”
Marilou is one of nine women who make up the members of WorldSkills Team Canada 2017. As a woman in a non-traditional trade, Marilou firmly believes that skilled trades could be better promoted among young women. “There are so many possibilities in these sectors. I’m glad more women are recognizing the career possibilities that are open to them.”
Marilou will take part in the 2017 Skills Canada National Competition, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, June 1st and 2nd as a training opportunity. The competition is open to the public and admission is free. For more information about SCNC, go to www.skillscanada.com.
From October 14 to 19, Marilou will join 30 members of WorldSkills Team Canada 2017 to take part in WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 2017, in the United Arab Emirates. Over 1,300 competitors from 60 member countries and regions will compete at this event for the chance to be recognized as the most talented tradespeople in their category. For more information, and to follow the progress of WorldSkills Team Canada 2017, please go to www.skillscanada.com.
Marilou appreciates the support of her and Brandon’s industry sponsors including Kodiak and Stanley DeWalt.