Saskatoon Hosts Annual Skills Canada Saskatchewan Competition

Image credit: Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Image credit: Saskatchewan Polytechnic

The annual Skills Canada Saskatchewan competition takes place today at Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Mount Royal Collegiate in Saskatoon. The event, now in its 21st year, gives high school students, post-secondary students and apprentices an opportunity to showcase their talents in the skilled trades and technologies.

Hundreds of high school students and apprentices have been practising for competition day. Competition categories are diverse; there are contests for everything from robotics and graphic design to hairstyling, carpentry and bricklaying.

Students who win gold medals at the provincial competition will be eligible to compete at the Skills Canada National Competition, which this year will be held May 28-29 in Halifax.

“I wish everyone participating in this year’s Skills Canada Saskatchewan competition the best of luck,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “By sharpening their skills and exploring the different career opportunities available in the skilled trades and technologies, competitors are setting themselves up for success.”

“The Provincial Skills Competition is our premier event,” Skills Canada Saskatchewan Executive Director Colin Phippard said. “This year, more than 55 skilled trade and technology competition areas will host hundreds of secondary and post-secondary competitors. The competition highlights the amazing talent found in our young people across the province, and helps encourage students to consider careers in the skilled trades and technology areas.”

Jim Hoffman is Skills Canada Saskatchewan’s Provincial Technical Committee Chairperson for graphic design. He is a strong supporter of Skills Canada Saskatchewan and helped organize this year’s event.

“The Provincial Skills Competition allows our secondary and post-secondary students to showcase their skills and passion for various trades and technologies,” Hoffman said. “With their knowledge and desire, these students are well on their way to rewarding careers. The atmosphere in this competitive environment is intense. For educators, it may be one of the best professional development opportunities available.”

“The provincial Skills Canada Saskatchewan competition showcases a broad range of fulfilling and rewarding careers that are available through a polytechnic education. Many Saskatchewan Polytechnic students find great success at this annual event, often moving on to compete nationally and internationally,” Saskatchewan Polytechnic President and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia said. “Contestants will demonstrate skills that equip them for rewarding careers. I’d like to extend my best wishes of good luck and great success to all the competitors.”

“Skills Canada Saskatchewan competition participants gain practical skills that will benefit them today and into the future,” Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission Chief Operating Officer and Skills Canada Saskatchewan Chair Loreena Spilsted said. “Preparing for a competition like this requires dedication. In addition to enhancing their skills in a particular area, competitors strengthen their abilities to work as a team; think on their feet and problem solve. They learn; they persist; they grow.”

Skills Canada Saskatchewan is a non-profit provincial organization affiliated with the national body, Skills Compétences Canada. Skills Canada Saskatchewan’s mission is to promote and engage youth in skilled trades and technologies. For more competition details, please visit skillscanadasask.com.

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