More than 500 young students and apprentices gathered to compete at the 15th Canadian Skills Competition last month in Charlottetown, P.E.I.

The two-day, national, Olympic-style, multi-trade and technology competition attracted 4,000 attendees and featured 40 events in six major trades and technology categories, including manufacturing, construction, transportation, information and technology, service, employment and leadership.

A total of 173 medals were awarded to the top champions in each event. For a list of the winners, visit http://www.skillscanada.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=69&Itemid=93.

"Industries that depend on skilled trade workers are key drivers of our economy and contribute over 50 percent of Canada's GDP," said Shaun Thorson, executive director, Skills Canada. "The Canadian Skills Competition is a unique event that helps showcase and raise awareness for the broad range of opportunities to be found in the trades, while demonstrating the depth of talent within the skills movement in Canada."

The 40th WorldSkills Competition will take place in Calgary, Alta., September 1 to 7, 2009, where more than 900 young people will compete. The team competing for Canada was chosen at last year's Canadian Skills Competition.