Spotlight Shines on Next Generation Skilled Labour Force as 16th Canadian
Skills Competition Concludes

Competitors invited to join Team Canada for WorldSkills London 2011

GATINEAU, QC, May 23 /CNW Telbec/ - Skills/Compétences Canada, a not-for-profit organization that actively promotes careers in skilled trades and technologies, announced today the results of the 16th Canadian Skills Competition, which took place May 20-23, 2010 in Waterloo, Ontario. The national Competition brought together over 550 competitors, 10,000 attendees and over 50 industry Sponsors and Partners.

This year's competition was particularly special since it was the primary qualification event for the 2011 WorldSkills Competition. The next WorldSkills Competition was awarded to London, United Kingdom and will be held in the fall of 2011.

The Canadian Skills Competition is the only national, Olympic-style, multi-trade and technology event of its kind for young students and apprentices in the country. The two-day competition took place at Waterloo's RIM Park where 40 different events were showcased in six major trades and technology categories:

    
    1. Transportation
    2. Construction
    3. Manufacturing
    4. Information and Technology
    5. Service
    6. Employment
    

The Competition featured 40 different assigned projects created by industry and education representatives of the Skills/Compétences Canada National Technical Committee. Competitors were evaluated by independent judges from the respective industry sectors, who based their decisions on industry standards and established work practices, including such criteria as quality of work, safety, cleanliness, skill level and creativity.

"Industries that depend on skilled trade workers are key drivers of our economy and contribute over 50% of Canada's GDP," said Shaun Thorson, Executive Director, Skills/Compétences Canada. "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."

This year's Competition drew numerous special guests and dignitaries including, M.P. Peter Braid and Mike Holmes, Canada's Most Trusted Contractor and host and creator of Holmes Inspection(TM).

"An event like the Canadian Skills Competition gives me great encouragement about the future of skilled trades and technology careers in Canada," said Mike Holmes, Canada's Most Trusted Contractor and the host and creator of Holmes Inspection(TM). "I am so proud of the caliber of projects showcased at this event, and I look forward to continuing to support unique programs and competitions that promote skilled trades to young people."

Award Highlights

Medals were awarded to the top champions in six skilled trade and technology categories. Best of Region competitors were also recognized for having the highest competitive score by category for their Region.

    
    -  The Team Spirit Award was presented to Nova Scotia for expressing the
       most "Spirit" during the course of the Competition.
    -  The Contest Safety Award was presented to the contest area that was
       evaluated by the National Safety Committee as being the best at
       administrating all aspects of safety including prevention and
       emergency preparedness. The winners were Automation and Control and
       Electrical installations.
    -  The Contributor of the Year Award was given to technical committee
       volunteers who ensured that Canadian Skills Competition 2010 was a
       success. The winners were Robert Tone, Mary Wilson and Erroll Affleck.
    

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 1-877-754-5226.

About WorldSkills International

WorldSkills International's mission is to promote, through the cooperative action of Members, a worldwide awareness of the essential contribution that skills and high standards of competence make to the achievement of economic success and personal fulfillment. WorldSkills International's principal activity is organizing the WorldSkills Competition in a different Member country/region every two years. These Competitions bring the best young professionals from trades, service and vocational programs from around the world to showcase their talents and ability at the WorldSkills Competition.

www.worldskills.org

Note to Editors: High resolution photography is available by contacting Skills/Compétences Canada toll free at 1 877 754-5226 ext. 1

For further information: Media Contacts: Cynthia Faubert, Skills/Compétences Canada, [phone], [email protected]; Christianne Scholfield, Skills/Competences Canada, [phone], Cell No. [phone], [email protected]