Princess Auto Provides Travel Subsidies so Manitoba Students Can Experience the 2017 Skills Canada National Competition

Princess Auto is subsidizing travel to the Skills Canada National Competition for hundreds of Manitoba students, and they will actively participate at the competition through Try-A-Trade® and Technology activities and interactive demonstrations.

OTTAWA, Dec. 6, 2016 /CNW/ - Skills/Compétences Canada (SCC), a not-for-profit organization that actively promotes careers in skilled trades and technologies, is pleased to welcome Princess Auto Ltd. as the School Engagement Sponsor at the 23rd Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC).

Through this partnership, SCC is able to offer travel subsidies to schools throughout Manitoba. This generous support will enable SCC to better promote careers in skilled trades and technologies through outreach to youth in communities who may not otherwise benefit from the SCNC experience.

From May 31 to June 3, 2017, representatives from industry, government, labour, education, and over 7,500 young visitors will gather at the RBC Convention Centre in downtown Winnipeg. Over 550 young competitors from across Canada will compete in 43 trade and technology areas representing six sectors of the Canadian economy. Visitors will have the opportunity to watch the competitors and try over 50 Try-A-Trade® and Technology activities to gain valuable hands-on experience.

"This event is an opportunity for industry partners to meet young Canadians that will be tomorrow's workforce and show them the exciting careers that exist in skilled trades and technology based occupations", says Shaun Thorson, Chief Executive Officer, Skills/Compétences Canada.  "Through the support of companies like Princess Auto we are able to expand our reach and impact."

In addition to their SCNC sponsorship, Princess Auto sponsored the VIP breakfast at the National Skilled Trades and Technology week launch that was hosted at Red River College on November 2. The event was well represented by over 120 industry, education, labour and government attendees. Following the breakfast, everyone was invited to watch the opening speeches and official launch. The day's activities included a pallet table challenge, official presentations and various Try-A-Trade® and Technology activities where over 300 local high school and 200 post secondary students experienced hands-on fun and learned about skilled trade and technology opportunities.

Geoff Frodsham, CEO of Princess Auto Ltd., comments on the significance of this partnership: "Princess Auto is absolutely thrilled and delighted to be working with Skills/Compétences Canada, as well as colleges across the country through our Princess Auto Foundation. Careers in the skilled trades are in high demand, and prospective students need the right resources to succeed."

Frodsham goes on to say, "Every day, our store teams across the country see customer creativity and inventiveness being applied. These folks are not just building a life for themselves, they're building communities."

About Skills Canada
Skills Canada was founded in 1989 as a national, not-for-profit organization with partner Skills Canada organizations in each of the provinces/territories that work 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 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 Ottawa, Ontario, Skills Canada is the Canadian Member organization of WorldSkills. For more information, visit www.skillscanada.com or call 877-754-5226.

Follow Skills/Compétences Canada on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr.

About Princess Auto
Princess Auto is a Canadian, family-owned company with our Home Office in Winnipeg, Manitoba. We sell a unique product assortment including our exclusive Powerfist and Pro.Point brand name products in 43 stores across Canada, as well as online at www.princessauto.com. Our Team of 2,500 delivers uncommon value and an outstanding shopping experience backed by our Royal Service Promise, which states: 'No sale is final until you're satisfied'.

SOURCE Skills/Compétences Canada

SKILLS/COMPÉTENCES CANADA MEDIA CONTACT: Michèle Rogerson, T. 613-266-4771, [email protected]; PRINCESS AUTO MEDIA CONTACT: Kelly Robertson, T. 204-654-5232 ext. 532, [email protected]