From Quesnel to Peace River, to the Comox Valley and the Okanagan, fifty-six students from different B.C. communities travelled to Moncton, New Brunswick, to compete in the 2016 Skills Canada competition.

On June 6 and 7, the students are competing in 37 different categories in total. As all competitions are open to the public, the student competitors not only need to complete their projects in time based on strict criteria but in front of a live audience as well as they vie for a spot on the awards podium. The winners will be announced at the closing ceremony on Wednesday, June 8, 2016.

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

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 competitions will take place at Moncton Coliseum Complex where 60 different assigned projects were showcased in major skilled trade and technology categories.

With almost one million jobs expected in British Columbia by 2024, the demand for skilled workers is growing significantly. Through the Skills for Jobs Blueprint, the Province is working to re-engineer B.C.’s education and training programs towards a data-driven system that focuses investment on the jobs that are in-demand and ensuring that B.C. has the skilled workforce it needs now and in the future.

Each year, B.C. invests more than $7.8 billion in education and training, from early learning programs for the youngest British Columbians all the way through to post graduate education. By 2024 the government will redirect $3 billion in training investments to focus on skills and programs for in-demand jobs, to better align annual investments to meet emerging labour market needs. In-demand occupations that require post-secondary education or training range from professional to management to trades in a range of sectors including technology, resource and health care.

Quotes:

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

“I am proud of our Team BC students who are in News Brunswick to compete in the 2016 Skills Canada national competition. Our students have travelled a long way to represent our province at the national level, and they exemplify the tremendous skills as well as talent we have in B.C. I wish everyone on Team BC the best of luck at the competition this year.”

Amber Papou, executive director of Skills Canada BC –

“British Columbia will be represented by the ‘best of the best’ in the skilled trades and technology sectors at the 2016 Skills Canada National Competition. Team BC is comprised of students in secondary and post-secondary schools from all regions of the province, who have not only demonstrated their tremendous skill sets but who have also demonstrated their dedication and passion for their respective fields.

“The National competition provides a platform where these students are able to showcase their skills, make new connections with people from across the country, and be inspired to continue work hard to reach for their dreams. On behalf of Skills BC we are very proud of this year’s competitors, and wish each one of them success at the 2016 Skills Canada National Competition and into the future!”

Quick Facts:

• Each year Skills Canada British Columbia works with more than 12,000 B.C. students.
• Skills Canada was founded in 1989 as a national not-for-profit organization.
• Since 1994, Skills Canada-BC has operated as a provincial charitable organization, working with industry, educators, government and labour.
• Unique programming allows Skills BC to position itself as an early influencer—offering youth in grades K – 12 and in post-secondary, safe and engaging environments in which to explore trade and technology careers.
• Based on the latest Labour Market Outlook, British Columbia is expecting up to one million job openings by 2024 due to retirements and economic growth.
• 8/10 of these job openings will require some sort of post-secondary education or trades training.

Learn More:

• Team BC in Moncton group photo 2016, New Brunswick: https://flic.kr/p/HNha3e
• 2016 Skills Canada BC provincial competition https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2016JTST0053-000573
• 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/

Background information available here: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BACKGROUNDER_Team_BC_list_June_6_2016.pdf