More than 100 attendees including representatives from the provincial government, industry, alumni and educators are on hand to celebrate the best trades and technology students in B.C. at the 21st annual Skills Canada BC gala this evening.

Team BC went head to head with fellow students from across Canada at the 2015 Skills Canada competition. B.C. students who participated in the national event were recognized by the Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour Shirley Bond, president of Skills Canada BC Kelly Betts, CEO of Seaspan Jonathan Whitworth along with representatives from LNG Canada, Kitimat LNG and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Team BC consisted of 53 competitors from secondary and post-secondary schools. They took home 19 medals at the national competition —seven gold, five silver and seven bronze—in animation, carpentry, culinary arts, electrical, electronics, fashion technology, graphic design as well as information and technology.

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 2015 Team BC Results.

Quotes:

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

“I am proud of our students who competed in the Skills Canada regional, provincial and national competitions. Our Team BC medallists competed against the best in the country, and their achievements represent  the success they’ll have as they move into their careers, and as they help to build  the future of our province.

“We are expecting a wide range of job openings in B.C. in the next ten years. The Skills Canada competitions showcase our students’ skills and talent, and they also raise awareness of the various careers available in our province. I wish our students continued success in their fields of expertise.”

Kelly Betts, president of Skills Canada BC –

“These events give students studying trades and technology at the secondary and post-secondary level the opportunity to compete against the best of the best in their region, in the province and even in Canada, and they give students who may have never held a hammer the opportunity to discover these skills first hand through experiential learning at these events.”

Amber Papou, executive director of Skills Canada BC –

“The demand for skilled tradespeople and technologists in BC is growing rapidly, and with the highly anticipated LNG sector ready to launch, combined with the onslaught of baby boomers retiring, skilled labour demand has never been greater. This makes the work that SkillsBC does even more critical.”

Susannah Pierce, external affairs director, LNG Canada –

“We are proud to support Skills Canada BC, and through its programs, we have been encouraging our youth to explore the opportunities that trades training can bring to their futures. The development of a skilled workforce today is essential to the future success of the LNG industry in British Columbia.

“Congratulations to everyone celebrating achievements through Skills Canada BC.”

Phil Venoit, chairman, IBEW-BC Provincial Council –

“The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in BC is proud to help shine a light on the brightest minds of tomorrow with apprentices from the various crafts attending the Provincial skills Competition.

“Canada has long been recognized in developing some of the best craft workers in the world. It’s great to see today’s apprentices continue in that tradition to hone that cutting edge in the skilled trades and technologies.”

Rod Maier, Chevron Canada Ltd, manager, external relations and communications, Kitimat LNG –

“Chevron and Woodside are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with Skills Canada BC.  We’re proud to support Skills Canada BC’s innovative approach to inspiring B.C.’s young people to consider careers in skilled trades and technology  that will help them benefit from future careers in the LNG industry, right here in their home province.”

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.
• Based on the 2024 Labour Market Outlook, B.C. is expecting up to one million job openings in the next ten years due to retirements and economic growth.
• Approximately 42% of job openings will require college education or apprenticeship training, 36% will require university and/or significant work experience and 18% will require high school and/or occupation-specific training.

Learn More:

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

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

British Columbia 2024 Labour Market Outlook: https://www.workbc.ca/Statistics/Labour-Market.aspx

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

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