WINNIPEG, Manitoba, June 1st, 2017 – This morning, the 2017 Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) was kicked off at the RBC Convention Centre.
The goal of the competition is to encourage youth to excel in their skilled trade or technology field, and to create awareness of the incredible career opportunities available in the skilled trades and technologies across Canada.
Special guests at the launch included Larry Slaney from UA Canada and Carla Morris from TransCanada, presenting sponsors of the Skills Canada National Competition.
“UA Canada is very proud of the longstanding relationship we have with Skills/Compétences Canada,” said Larry Slaney, Director of Canadian Training at UA Canada. “By supporting and working closely with Skills Canada, and our employers in industry, we are ensuing that Canadian youth are aware of the bright future and quality of life that exists in the union piping trades. Our 56,000 + members, and the thousands of Contractors, clients and owners we work with across the country are looking for the best tradespeople and technicians available. We believe that Skills Canada provides a window of opportunity for that next generation of workers who are ready for this challenge, and UA Canada will provide jobs and futures as part of our commitment. We believe in the youth of Canada.”
“Partnering with Skills/Compétences Canada is a great opportunity for TransCanada to support the development of high-demand and transferable trade and technology skills, which are critical to our business, said Carla Morris, Director, Central Region, Canadian Gas Operations at TransCanada. “When hiring, we look for well-rounded individuals who are innovative and experienced – the Skills Canada National Competition is a great place to prepare them.”
Also participating were industry celebrities Paul Lafrance, host of Canada’s Disaster Decks, Decked out and Custom Built, Kate Campbell, co-host of Custom Built and owner of KateBuilds Inc., Jeremy Senaris, MasterChef Canada, Runner-up. Joining them were two Canada 150 alumni; Jorgen Kaspick, SCNC 2013 competitor in electronics from Manitoba, and Britnee Mishak, SCNC 2014 competitor in graphic design from Saskatchewan.
The challenge officially launched the two-day national competition, featuring over 550 competitors from across Canada competing in over 40 skilled trade and technology contests for the opportunity to be named the best in the country in their chosen field. In addition, there are over 50 interactive Try-A-Trade® and Technology activities, enabling visiting students and the public the opportunity to try several trades and test their skills.
There are several Skills Canada events happening in conjunction with SCNC including Try-a-Trade® and Technology activities, Essential Skills presentations and activities, the Essential Skills Forum and a live Essential Skills Webcast on June 1st and 2nd.
To highlight Canada’s 150th anniversary, there will be 40 Skills Canada alumni champions participating at SCNC. These Canada 150 Champions are here to tell their stories and engage with the over 10,000 student visitors registered to attend during SCNC 2017.
The Closing Ceremony, where the results of the competition will be announced, will take place on June 3rd, from 12:00pm – 3:00pm, at the RBC Convention Centre, in the York Ballroom.
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. For information on Skills Canada’s programs and competitions visit www.skillscanada.com. For more information about SCNC visit: www.skillscompetencescanada.com/en/programs/skills-canada-national-competition.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Michèle Rogerson, micheler@skillscanada.com, 613-266-4771.
