SASKATOON, SK, May 30, 2015 /CNW/ – For two days, in Saskatoon, at the 21^stSkills Canada National Competition (SCNC), the best and brightest students and apprentices in skilled trades and technologies were tried, tested and judged. Over 500 young Canadians showcased their talent, reaching for gold by competing in over 40 disciplines across six industry sectors in front of a crowd of thousands.

The complete list of SCNC medal winners is available on the Skills/Compétences Canada Web site.

SCNC is the only multi-trade and multi-technology competition for young students and apprentices in the country. The Olympic-style event draws competitors from every province and territory. Competitors are evaluated by independent judges from a cross-section of sectors that demand a pool of skilled workers. The judges’ decisions are based on industry standards.

At the Prairieland Park Grandstand, during the medals presentation and closing ceremony, Shaun Thorson, CEO of Skills/Compétences Canada, addressed the competitors.

“To those who return home with gold, silver and bronze in your hands, we salute you for your perseverance and congratulate you on your win,” said Thorson. “We applaud all the competitors who walked through the doors on that first day of competition. You gave it your all. You demonstrated tremendous pride in your craft and in your ability and you showed unbreakable determination to be the best you can be.”

“We also want to acknowledge the ongoing support from the Government of Canada and from our partners,” said Thorson. “Thank you for working with us to build a solid future and robust workforce for young Canadians – like these tenacious competitors – who choose a lucrative career in skilled trades and technologies.”

Thorson was joined by the Honourable Pierre Poilièvre, Minister of Employment and Social Development Canada, at the closing ceremony.

“While touring the competition floor, I met some incredibly talented young Canadians,” said Minister Poilièvre. “They represent some of the best this country has produced in skilled trades and technologies, and they represent our potential as a country. These tradespeople confirm why we continue to invest in apprenticeships and skills training. We need to get these skills, the skills employers are looking for and the skills that are in demand, into the talented hands of our bright young Canadians.”

At SCNC, Minister Poilièvre also had the opportunity to meet with members of WorldSkills Team Canada 2015 competitors, the contingent of extremely talented individuals who are poised to compete in Brazil this August against more than 70 other countries at the 43rd WorldSkills Competition, in São Paulo, Brazil. They attended SCNC as part of their intense training regime.

“I am so proud of this team. Canada is so proud of this team,” said Minister Poilièvre. “We will all be cheering them on this summer.”

Also attending SCNC to boost morale, spread the hype and raise awareness of the importance of connecting youth with skilled trades and technologies training were HGTV star Sherry Holmes; President of the National Board of Skills/CompétencesCanada, John Oates; Larry Slaney of UA Canada; and, representatives of TransCanada.

The 22nd Skills Canada National Competition is set to be held in Moncton in 2016.

 

About the Skills Canada National Competition
The Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) is the only national, multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices in the country. This year, the competition was open to the public May 28-29, 2015 at Prairieland Park inSaskatoon, Saskatchewan. The event tests the best and brightest students from across the country who will be measured against exacting industry standards in the skilled trades. The event provides competitors with an opportunity to further develop their skills through hands-on competition with their peers, and the distinction of being named the nation’s best in their chosen field. The competition brings together representatives from industry, government and educators along with more than 5000 visiting students who will take part in interactive Try-a-Trade® and Technology activities. The competition features over 40 skilled trade competitions ranging from carpentry and mobile robotics to welding, aircraft maintenance and fashion design. Through these competitions, Skills/CompétencesCanada seeks to raise awareness about skilled trades and technology sectors to all Canadian youth and their influencers. For more information visit:http://skillscompetencescanada.com/en/programs/skills-canada-national-competition

 

SOURCE Skills/Compétences Canada

Image with caption: “A student tries her hand at carpentry at the 2015 Skills Canada National Competition. (CNW Group/Skills/Compétences Canada)”. Image available at:http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150530_C1549_PHOTO_EN_17325.jpg

For further information: Michèle Rogerson, Communications Content Specialist, 613-266-4771, micheler@skillscanada.com