B.C.’s top trades and technology students put their skills on display Wednesday, April 5, in a series of Olympic-style competitions to determine who will make up Team BC at the national finals later this spring.

The public is invited to Tradex in Abbotsford between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. as about 600 students from high schools and post-secondary institutions throughout B.C. compete in the Skills Canada-BC competitions in categories including aerospace technology, welding, carpentry, robotics and 3D animation. Competitors qualified by winning at one of 13 regional events held throughout the province.

Gold medallists at the provincial finals will represent B.C. at the 2017 Skills Canada national competition in Winnipeg May 31 to June 3.

The provincial finals will also include attendance by 5,000 middle and high school students who will watch the competitions, try the many interactive, hands-on activities and look for career inspiration at the Pathways to Careers Showcase.

Trades and technology careers are forecast to be in high demand in the coming years, and these competitions provide an exciting platform for showcasing these interesting career opportunities.

In conjunction with the provincial competitions, the Skills BC Skilled Trades and Technology Conference for Women is also being held at Tradex on Wednesday morning. This event brings together more than 100 female high-school students and female mentors representing more than 20 skilled trades and technology careers from welder and electrician to ironworker and more.

Through the Industry Training Authority (ITA), the B.C. government has provided $100,000 to Skills Canada-BC to support its work in engaging young British Columbians in the trades training system. The ITA has also provided an additional $150,000 to Skills Canada-BC, for a total government contribution of $250,000.

Skills Canada-BC brings together industry, labour, education and government leaders to equip young people with the opportunity and resources to pursue trade and technology careers. Each year, more than 25,000 students in every region of the province are involved in Skills Canada-BC programs.

Quotes:

Darryl Plecas, MLA for Abbotsford South –

“The Skills Canada-BC competitions shine a well-deserved spotlight on our students’ skills and talent, and also raise awareness of the various careers available in our province. Each competitor has worked hard to reach the provincial competition and I wish each of them the best of luck as they try to qualify for Team BC and advance to the national finals.”

Simon Gibson, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission –

“These students represent the high level of excellence in skilled workers in our province’s secondary school trades programs and post-secondary institutions. They are already well on their way to successful careers in the trades and technology sectors and are great role models for younger students considering careers in one of these in-demand occupations.”

Gary Herman, CEO, Industry Training Authority –

“Every year I’m impressed with the level of passion and focus of the students at the Skills Canada-BC competition. Young people are an important piece of the future of skilled trades in every industry and this event is a great example of the bright minds and dedication that will help continue to grow the skilled trades community in B.C.”

Rene Ragetli, director of operations, Skills Canada-BC –

“Just like top class athletes, the competitors at the Skills BC Provincial Competition demonstrate talent, passion, a high degree of training and above all, the ability to fully engage in what they are doing. Watch them and be inspired!”

Quick Facts:

• Each year Skills Canada-British Columbia works with approximately 30,000 B.C. students.
• Skills Canada-British Columbia was founded in 1994 as a charitable organization.
• Based on the 2025 Labour Market Outlook, B.C. is expecting up to one million job openings in the next decade due to retirements and economic growth.
• Eight out of 10 of these jobs will require post-secondary education or training.
• The B.C. government invests more than $7.5 billion in education and training each year, from early-learning programs for the youngest British Columbians all the way through to post-graduate education.

Learn More:

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

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

British Columbia 2025 Labour Market Outlook: https://www.workbc.ca/Statistics/Labour-Market.aspx

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

Skills/Compétences Canada: http://skillscompetencescanada.com/en/