SASKATOON – Skills Canada Saskatchewan held the 19th Annual Skills Canada Competition & Try-a-Trade Expo in Saskatoon on April 7, 2017.
Event took place at the CNH Training Centre and Saskatchewan Polytechnic Saskatoon Campus. Skills Canada Saskatchewan’s Olympic-style competition provides a forum for students to compete and showcase their skills in numerous trade and technology areas, from welding to machine shop to 3D animation.
The Gold medal winners will qualify to represent Saskatchewan at the Skills Canada National Competition in Winnipeg in June 2017.
“The competitors at Skills Canada competitions have determination and passion for the trades they have chosen to enter,” Economy Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “The talent and enthusiasm will help guide them as they move forward in developing their skills and move on in their careers.”
Competitors and students from all over Saskatchewan had the opportunity to visit the Career Fair and Try-a-Trade Expo onsite to explore trades and technology career options at fun, hands-on, interactive booths. This expo brings together the excitement and energy of a young emerging workforce and the proactive organizations who understand that engaging youth is the best strategy for addressing labour challenges.
“The competition offers students an opportunity to succeed with their brains, their hands, their problem solving ability and their intelligence,” Swift Current Comprehensive High School Business Education Teacher & Instructional Leader- PAA Mrs. Cindy Lowe said. “These experiences put them ahead of their peers once they leave school and are into the work force. I am absolutely hooked on this program.”
“The competition demonstrates the vast number of career opportunities available to people interested in pursuing a career in a trades or technology field,” Skills Canada Saskatchewan Executive Director Al Gabert said. “We promote excellence and safety in everything we do.”
“The provincial Skills Canada competition is a highlight of the year and provides contestants an opportunity to demonstrate skills that equip them for rewarding careers,” Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s President and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia, said. “The competition profiles a broad range of applied learning opportunities and showcases the exciting and rewarding careers available through a polytechnic education.”
“The competitors at Skills Canada competitions display such talent and dedication to their fields,” Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) CEO Jeff Ritter said. “Their enthusiasm and drive for the skilled trades can turn into a fulfilling career.”
“The Skills Canada competitions are a great way to bring together young people from across the province who are passionate about the skilled trades and technologies,” Skills Canada Saskatchewan Chair and SATCC Chief Operating Officer Loreena Spilsted said. “Additionally, the Try-a-Trade Expo gives students a hands-on experience, hopefully inspiring them to pursue a career in the skilled trades and technologies.”
