Canada’s best skilled young people en route to Toronto

In one week, 500 of Canada’s best skilled trade and technology students and apprentices will converge at The International Centre in Mississauga for the 20th Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC).
 
The event will include 42 separate competitions in six different sectors: construction, services, manufacturing, transportation, information technology and employability. Medal winners earning the best marks will have a chance to form WorldSkills Team Canada 2015, and travel to the 43rd WorldSkills Competition in São Paulo, Brazil.
 
“It’s amazing to watch these kids compete,” said Mike Holmes, host of HGTV’s hit series, Holmes on Homes and Holmes Makes It Right. Mike Holmes is also the official Skills/Compétences Canada spokesperson.
 
“Their drive and passion is unbelievable. They want to be here and they leave everything on the competition floor. They’re changing the way people think of the skilled trades. That’s huge,” says Holmes.
 
In addition to the competitions, the SCNC will offer visitors the opportunity to participate in more than 40 Try-A-Trade and Technology activities. Other features of the event include interactive demonstrations on the Essential Skills Stage, more than 70 exhibitors in the Career Zone and many networking opportunities with industry leaders.
 
“The Skills Canada National Competition is a great opportunity for young people to learn about skilled trades and technology careers through hands-on activities and inspiring presentations,” said Skills/Compétences Canada CEO Shaun Thorson.

Thorson said that many interesting and lucrative trade and technology careers exist in various industry sectors. According to Skills/Compétences Canada partners, including Skills Canada National Competition presenting sponsors UA Canada and the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP), many of these jobs are in high demand.

“Exposing students to these opportunities early on is a key factor in broadening their career prospects and ensuring they understand the importance of acquiring essential skills while in elementary and secondary school,” said Thorson.

The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, will speak at the June 7 closing ceremony. HGTV’s Bryan Baeumler of House of Bryan and Disaster DIY, and Paul Lafrance of Decked Out will be on site on June 6 to host demonstrations on the Essential Skills Stage. Former MasterChef contestant Julie Miguel will participate in the SCNC Official Launch event for media on June 5.

Admission is free on June 5 and 6. Tickets are available for the opening and closing ceremonies and other VIP events. For more event information and to purchase tickets, visit www.skillscanada.com.