Canada's Young Trade and Technology Talent Compete for Gold at The 16th
Canadian Skills Competition

WATERLOO, ON, May 19 /CNW Telbec/ - Skills/Compétences Canada, a national not-for-profit organization that actively promotes careers in skilled trades, today announced that Canada's youth along with trainers, industry experts and delegates, are making their way to Waterloo, Ontario this week to participate in the 16th Canadian Skills Competition which takes place from May 20 - 23, 2010. Competitive trades and technology students will compete against more than 550 participants representing all 13 provinces/territories in individual competitions within specialized skilled trade and technology categories.

"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." says Shaun Thorson, Executive Director, Skills/Compétences Canada.

Over 100,000 students take part in SCC regional, provincial and national Skills Competitions each year, but perhaps only 30 students will qualify and form Team Canada 2011 based on their performance at this 16th Canadian Skills Competition. As the member organization to WorldSkills International, Skills/Competences Canada selects and prepares students for the WorldSkills Competition every two years. The next WorldSkills Competition was awarded to London, United Kingdom and will be held in the fall of 2011.

"The Government of Canada is a proud supporter of the Canadian Skills Competition," said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada. "During these challenging economic times it's more important than ever that youth develop the skills and experience they need to participate and succeed in the work force. The Canadian Skills Competition offers an exceptional showcase for the talented young competitors that will inspire other young people to explore careers in the trades."

See Canada's top talent in over 40 disciplines:

    
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    Precision Machining     Cooking                   Job Interview
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    Mechatronics            Restaurant Service        Job Skill Demonstration
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    Mechanical CADD         Landscape Gardening       Prepared Speech
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    CNC Machining           Refrigeration             3D Character Computer
                                                      Animation
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    IT Office Software      IT and Network Support    2D Character Computer
    Applications                                      Animation
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    Welding                 Graphic Design            Aircraft Maintenance
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    Autobody Repair         Industrial                Workplace Safety
                            Mechanic/Millwright
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    Sheet Metal Work        Architectural Technology  Robotics
                            & Design
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    Plumbing                Outdoor Power and         Heavy Equipment Service
                            Recreation Equipment
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    Electronics             TV/Video Production       Car Painting
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    Web Site Development    Electrical Installations  Offset Printing
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    Automotive Service      Aesthetics                Cabinetmaking
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    Automation and Control  Fashion Technology        Brick Masonry
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    Hairstyling             Baking                    Carpentry
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    Schedule of Events

    Thursday, May 20, 2010 - Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, Waterloo,
    ON
    7:00PM - 8:30PM    Official Opening Ceremony: Featuring Minister John
                       Milloy, Mr. Terry Cooke, President of
                       Skills/Competences Canada, Mr. Gary Cronkwright, Chair
                       of Skills Canada-Ontario

    Friday, May 21, 2010 - RIM Park - University Avenue, Waterloo, ON
    9:00 AM - 4:00PM   Competition Day 1
                       Arrival of thousands of students to tour the
                       Competition Site
                       Many Interactive elements hosted by industry and
                       education

    Saturday, May 22, 2010 - RIM Park - University Avenue, Waterloo, ON
    8:00 AM - 10:AM    Partnership Breakfast

    9:00 AM - 4:00PM   Competition Day 2
                       Arrival of thousands of students to tour the
                       Competition Site
                       Many Interactive elements hosted by industry and
                       education

    Sunday, May 23, 2010 - Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, Waterloo, ON
    3:00 PM - 5:00PM   Awards Ceremony: Featuring: Minister Peter Braid MP -
                       Kitchener-Waterloo, Mike Holmes, Canada's Most Trusted
                       Contractor
    

The 16th Canadian Skills Competition coming to Waterloo, Ontario May 20-23, 2010 will be the city's largest competitive event. Skills Canada-Ontario., is leading the event coordination with support from Skills/Compétences Canada along with numerous sponsors and suppliers, the major event funding partners include: Government of Canada, Government of Ontario, the City of Waterloo and Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning.

About Skills/Compétences Canada

Skills/Compétences Canada was founded in 1989 as a national, not-for-profit organization that works with employers, educators, labour groups and governments to promote skilled trades and technology careers among Canadian youth. Its unique position among private and public sector partners enables it to work toward securing Canada's future skilled labour needs while helping young people discover rewarding careers. Skills/Compétences Canada offers experiential learning opportunities including skilled trades and technology competitions for hundreds of thousands of young Canadians through regional, provincial/territorial, national and international events, as well as skilled trades awareness programs. Headquartered in Gatineau, Quebec, Skills/Compétences Canada is the Canadian Member organization of WorldSkills International. For more information visit www.skillscanada.com or call 877-754-5226.

For further information: Media Contacts: Christianne Scholfield, Director Communications, Skills/Compétences Canada, [phone] or [phone], [email protected]; Cynthia Faubert, Skills/Compétences Canada, [phone], [email protected]