TransCanada and the UA Canadian Piping Trades Join as Presenting Sponsors for 2015 Skills Canada National Competition

TransCanada joins returning Sponsor UA Canadian Piping Trades at Canada's only national, multi-trade and technology event for young skilled trades and technology students and apprentices in Saskatoon, SK, on May 27-30, 2015.

OTTAWA, Feb. 24, 2015 /CNW/ - Skills/Compétences Canada (SCC), a not-for-profit organization that actively promotes careers in skilled trades and technologies is proud to announce that the UA Canadian Piping Trades, a multi-craft union whose members are engaged in the fabrication, installation and servicing of piping systems, and the TransCanada's Energy East Pipeline Project are confirmed as Presenting Sponsors of the 2015 Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC).

SCC is pleased to have UA Canada on board as a Presenting Sponsor for the third consecutive year and welcomes first-time partner TransCanada's Energy East Pipeline Project. The generous support of its Presenting Sponsors enables SCC to better promote trades and apprenticeships through the competition arena.

"Now more than ever, the push is on for industry and labour groups to be more proactive in raising awareness for job opportunities with a younger mindset," says Shaun Thorson, Chief Executive Officer of Skills Canada. "Many have discovered the value in engaging with associations and educational institutions to generate interest in the field, and gaining the inside track on finding the brightest and the best skilled tradespersons through skilled trade events."

From May 27-30, 2015, industry, government, labour representatives as well as educators and youth will gather in Saskatoon where over 500 students will compete in more than 40 skilled trades and technology contests, ranging from carpentry, steamfitter/pipefitter and mobile robotics to welding, aircraft maintenance and fashion design.

SCNC tests the best and brightest skilled trades students against exacting industry standards configured by a National Technical Committee comprised of skilled trades and technology experts from industry and education. It is an important event that attracts young career-seekers, employers and industry associations, and helps showcase the many opportunities available in the skilled trades and technology sectors.

"UA Canada is excited to continue working with Skills Canada again this year and equally thrilled to be presenting sponsors alongside of TransCanada," says Larry Cann, Administrative Assistant to the General President. "Young people of Canada are truly our greatest natural resource and it is our goal and hope that partnerships such as this will highlight the importance of developing the skills and expertise our youth need to continue to build this country. Together we are building opportunities for rewarding and well-paying careers. Let's build a better life."

"TransCanada is proud to sponsor an initiative that will support programs to develop trades skills for young Canadians," says John Soini, Vice-President, Energy East. "Projects such as Energy East will rely upon the experience of thousands of tradesmen and women in the development of important energy infrastructure that will bring thousands of jobs to local communities across the country. As a fellow tradesman, I firmly believe events like this will help encourage the next generation of Canadians to become a part of the highly-skilled workforce being developed right here in Canada."

Highly skilled tradespeople are key to important pipeline projects such as Energy East – the 4,600-km project that will ship 1.1-million barrels of oil per day from Western Canada to the oil refineries and port terminals of Eastern Canada. Through its donation, TransCanada is proud to contribute to Skills Canada's efforts to train a new generation of tradespeople, some of whom will go on to work on projects like Energy East.

About UA Canadian Piping Trades
The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada – commonly known as "UA" – is a multi-craft union whose members are engaged in the fabrication, installation maintenance and servicing of piping systems across North America. Founded in 1889, UA continues to be one of the most respected and influential building trades unions in North America. Its 326,000 highly skilled members belong to over 300 individual local unions. In Canada, the association serves 55,000 members, including over 10,000 apprentices, through 32 local union offices across the country. UA Canada represents eight major trade classifications including: steamfitter-pipefitter, sprinkler systems installer (sprinkler fitter), plumber, metal trades workers, instrumentation technicians and mechanics, pipe welder, heating ventilation air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics, and specialty certified workers in all areas of the piping industry.

About TransCanada
With more than 60 years' experience, TransCanada is a leader in the responsible development and reliable operation of North American energy infrastructure including natural gas and liquids pipelines, power generation and gas storage facilities. TransCanada operates a network of natural gas pipelines that extends more than 68,500 kilometers (42,500 miles), tapping into virtually all major gas supply basins in North America. TransCanada is one of the continent's largest providers of gas storage and related services with more than 400 billion cubic feet of storage capacity. A growing independent power producer, TransCanada owns or has interests in over 11,900 megawatts of power generation in Canada and the United States. TransCanada is developing one of North America's largest liquids delivery systems. TransCanada's common shares trade on the Toronto (TSX: TRP) and New York (NYSE: TRP) stock exchanges under the symbol TRP. Visit TransCanada.com and our blog to learn more, or connect with us on social media and 3BL Media.

SOURCE Skills/Compétences Canada

Michèle Rogerson, [email protected], T. 613-266-4771