Skills Canada welcomes UA Canada as a Premier Sponsor of the 2012 Skills Canada National Competition

Skills/Compétences Canada, a not-for-profit organization that actively promotes careers in skilled trades and technologies, has announced that the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry (UA) has signed on as a Premier Sponsor of the 2012 Skills Canada National Competition. UA is a multi-craft union whose members are engaged in the fabrication, installation and servicing of piping systems.

The 2012 Skills Canada National Competition, which takes place May 13-16 in Edmonton, Alta., brings more than 500 competitors representing over 40 trades from all provinces and territories to compete in Canada’s only national, multi-trade and technology event of its kind for young skilled trade and technology students and apprentices.

“Canada’s resource sectors are facing stiff competition as the demand for skilled trade workers continues to grow,” said Shaun Thorson, CEO of Skills Canada. “While the prospects for the industry are promising, the availability of qualified and trained journeypersons and apprentices to fill the growing number of skilled and knowledge-based roles is falling short of industry needs, providing a great opportunity for youth. As Skills/Compétences Canada prepares to host the upcoming Skills Canada National Competition, it welcomes the support of UA as a Premier Sponsor and partner in building the next generation of skilled trade workers.”

“UA Canada is dedicated to building partnerships with industry and organizations like Skills/Compétences Canada to ensure our ongoing success,” said John Telford, director of Canadian Affairs, UA Canada. “We recognize the impact of current demographic shifts on skilled labour and are taking steps to ensure we are well positioned to continue to provide the most skilled and professional workforce for the piping industry. By sponsoring the 2012 Skills Canada National Competition, we are strengthening our commitment to helping build the skilled workforce of tomorrow.”

“Apprentices are the future of the pipe trades, and we place an extremely high value on the importance of training so that we can continue to meet rigorous standards of service excellence,” said Larry Slaney, director of training, UA Canada. “We look forward to speaking with educators, parents and students at the upcoming 2012 Skills Canada National Competition to help raise awareness of the value of apprenticeship programs and the tremendous opportunity it presents for developing a career in skilled trades.”

The Skills Canada National Competition provides an opportunity for students to be tested, not only against industry standards, but 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 demonstrations, as well as employers and recruiters, industry associations, labour groups, training institutes and government partners. For more information, visit www.skillscanada.com.