Congratulations are in order for the best and brightest skilled trade and technology students from B.C. who competed at the Skills Canada National Competition held in Toronto from June 4-7, 2014.

Team BC included 52 competitors from secondary and post-secondary schools who earned 16 medals in transportation, construction, manufacturing, information and technology, service and employment categories - six gold, six silver and four bronze.

The Skills Canada National Competition is the only Olympic-style, multi-trade and technology event of its kind for students and apprentices in the country. The event took place at the International Centre in Toronto where 60 different assigned projects were showcased in major skilled trade and technology categories.

The 500 competitors from all provinces and territories were evaluated by independent judges from the respective industry sectors. Their decisions were based on industry standards and established work practices, using specific criteria such as quality of work, safety, cleanliness, skill level and creativity.

A backgrounder follows with Skills Canada National Competition 2014 TeamBC Results.

Quotes:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour -

“Congratulations to all the outstanding B.C. winners in this national competition. We are proud of our talented youth because they are the future of our province. A strong foundation in the trades or technical training will provide the kind of jobs skills that are in demand and mean a better chance at long-term employment which helps build strong B.C. families and communities”

Amber Papou, executive director, Skills Canada British Columbia -

“We are very proud of all of the B.C. students who participated at the 20th Annual Skills Canada Competition. These students represent the high-quality results that are being produced at B.C.’s training institutions, and allow us to showcase them to a national audience. We are also very excited for our gold medal winners, some of whom will qualify for a place on TeamCanada which will represent our nation at the 2015 WorldSkills Competition in Sao Paolo, Brazil.”

Quick Facts:

• Each year Skills Canada British Columbia works with more than 12,000 B.C. students.
• Skills/Compétences Canada was founded in 1989 as a national not-for-profit organization.
• By 2022, B.C. is expecting one million job openings in B.C created by retirements and our growing economy.
• More than 78% of jobs will require some form of post-secondary education, and 43% will needs skilled trades and technical workers.

Learn More:

BC Jobs Plan: http://www.bcjobsplan.ca/

B.C.’s Skills for Jobs Blueprint: www.workbc.ca/skills

Skills Canada British Columbia: www.skillscanada.bc.ca

Skills/Compétences Canada: http://www.skillscanada.ca

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799

BACKGROUNDER

Skills Canada National Competition 2014 TeamBC Results

• Elijah Baluyan, Robert Bateman Secondary: 2D Character Computer Animation (Sec): Silver
• Karmyn Chretien, Robert Bateman Secondary: 2D Character Computer Animation (Sec): Silver
• Patty Chomseng, Rick Hansen Secondary: 3D Character Computer Animation (Sec): Bronze
• Monica Sivongsa, Rick Hansen Secondary: 3D Character Computer Animation (Sec): Bronze
• Jacob Wall, A L Fortune Secondary: Auto Body Repair (Sec): Silver
• Matthew Dyck, Highland Secondary:Automotive Service (Sec): Bronze
• Mandy Yeung, Vancouver Community College: Baking (PS): Bronze
• Adam Corneau, Thompson Rivers University: Carpentry (PS): Bronze
• Metika Olanriksupak, B.C. Institute of Technology: CNC Machining (PS): Gold
• Thalia Austin, Vancouver Island University: Cooking (Sec): Silver
• Hudson Schier, Clarence Fulton Secondary: Electronics (Sec): Silver
• Patricia Roque, Eric Hamber Secondary: Fashion Technology (Sec): Gold
• Fiona Siu, Eric Hamber Secondary: Graphic Design (Sec): Gold
• Seth Kushniryk, Sardis Secondary: IT - Network Systems Administration (Sec): Silver
• Rachel Lau, Magee Secondary: Job Search (Sec): Gold
• Ethan Glenwright, Mark R. Isfeld Senior Secondary: Robotics (Sec): Silver
• Adrian Humphry: Mark R. Isfeld Senior Secondary: Robotics (Sec): Silver
• Nicolas Parlee, Mark R. Isfeld Senior Secondary: Robotics (Sec): Silver
• Damian Parlee, Mark R. Isfeld Senior Secondary: Robotics (Sec): Silver
• Annabelle Foss, Brooks Secondary: TV/Video Production (Sec): Gold
• Michael Stevantoni, Brooks Secondary: TV/Video Production (Sec): Gold
• Lucy Wei, Fraser Heights Secondary:Web Site Development (Sec): Gold

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 387-2799