As we approach our eight h year as a Presenting Sponsor of the Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC), our excitement and dedication to this event has only grown stronger. The relations hips which have been created with all the groups and the hard work which is being done every day by the Skills / Compétences Canada s taff and the o rganization has been second to none. UA Canada shares a lot of the same core values as Skills Canada which is to p romote, e ngage, s upport and m entor today's generation by highlighting the skilled trades as a very rewarding opportunity that is in high demand.

The promoti on of skilled trades will continue to be a topic of discussion as we see the advancements in technology and how important it is to grow collectively to meet the future demand . Engaging our youth to better understand that apprenticeship and the s killed trades and technology sector s are a viable alternative to attending University is key in creating awareness of the many opportunities in these fields. Everyone at SCNC are committed to the future of our Canadian youth ; from the sponsors to the volunteers who dedicate countless hours of their time so that this experience is a positive one. We hope that you will join us as at the next SCNC as we celebrate the achievements of competitors from across Canada who will be here showcasing their skills and dedication to their craft.

Contributed by: UA Canada

Mind Over Metal Camp Wrap-up Celebration at Orangeville District Secondary School 

 

Recently 20 grade eight students participated in a Mind over Metal Camp at Orangeville District Secondary School. They celebrated their wins and learnings with their parents, instructors, and high-school student volunteers at a dinner that was held at the school upon completion on November 28, 2019.   

 

One of the camp instructors, Richard Alexander , has been a welding instructor for more than 14 years and brings his passion for the trade into the classroom every day. "I love that welding is what you put into it ," said Alexander . " Anyone can weld, but to weld well, it takes time. You need the perseverance to excel in one process and when you have the choice, learn more. "  

 

This is the second camp hosted at Orangeville District Secondary School, and Alexander gives credit to the high - school volunteers who have helped keep this initiative alive through their support and encouragement of the younger students. 

Welding instructor Richard Alexander (right) interacts with students at a Mind over Metal Camp celebration at Orangeville District Secondary School.

CWB Welding Foundation Mind over Metal Camps began with a pilot camp in 2014, and serves to change the perceptions of youth and their parents about careers in welding. The camps have helped more than 3,500 students since their inception. Through these initiatives, the CWB Welding Foundation aims to create awareness and promote welding as an exciting, safe, and well-paying career option. Learn more at www.cwbweldingfoundation.org .   

 

Contributed by: CWB Welding Foundation

Rhys Eastham Shares his Career Journey at Volvo Construction Equipment 

 

Interview with Uptime Services Director at Volvo Construction Equipment, Rhys Eastham, who started in the field nearly 20 years ago as a diesel tech at Volvo Construction Equipment. 

 

Rhys has been in the role of Director of Uptime and technical services for the past six years. He ensures their dealers have the tools needed to repair machines in order to maximize uptime. Rhys has been around heavy equipment his entire life as his dad worked for another manufacturer while he was growing up. He developed an interest in large scale machines early on as they always had antique engines in their garage when he was younger.   

 

Mr. Eastman believes that in order to attract more people to the skilled trades and technologies, it is important to show youth what the future of this industry looks like as automation will play a bigger role in the future and machines will be transformed into computers. He also feels they need to transition their programs to peak the interests of  the next generation of technicians. His advice to youth is to look at all options before choosing a career path. Everyone has to start somewhere to build their future. This is a large industry which can open many doors and take you anywhere in the world.   

 

Rhys believes a strong support system has allowed him to be successful in his role and is grateful to his wife for providing a solid home life. In his spare time, he is a firefighter and Lieutenant with Carlisle Fire and Rescue.

 

Contributed by: Volvo Construction Equipment 

 

   

Last summer, several staff members of ConsuLab went to Kazan, Russia to provide support for the 2019 WorldSkills Competition. As official suppliers of training support for the event, we brought members of our engineering and production teams to Russia.  

   

Martin Vallières was a member of our production team who took part in this event. He tells us that the WorldSkills Competition changed his life, not just because he flew to the other side of the world but because he was able to see first-hand the passion and skill levels of the competitors.

 

Consulab was a proud supporter of WorldSkills Kazan 2019.

"For my first time at this kind of event, I can tell you that it was a truly enriching experience that has changed the way I see our products," he said. "Having seen how 36 young people from different countries and different levels of schooling work at their tasks, I have a better understanding of how we can improve our products."  

 

Martin Vallières was one of seven ConsuLab employees who made the long trip to Russia to provide support at the WorldSkills Competition. This hands-on support is what motivates ConsuLab and is the foundation of our business planning.    

   

"I saw with my own eyes how important these skills are for Canadian industry . In my opinion, high-level comp e titions such as the WorldSkills Competition lead to a level of excellence and an instinct for analysis that gives these competitors great cr e dibilit y in their field, and opens exciting career possibilities for them , " concludes Martin Vallières .  

   

Contributed by: Consulab

   

A Career in the Trades is your Ticket to an Exciting Future

 

"You can be anything you want!" The career path for youth is full of possibilities. Many students have already decided that t he skilled trades are where they want to be - great salary, job security, working on exciting projects. But did you know that being a tradesperson can also be a stepping stone to other rewarding options ?  

 

Youth in trades have the freedom to build a career path that can go far beyond working with tools . They can move up within a company , be a project manager, start their own business , or be a n instructor . There are varied c hoices that provid e a good living and help a new generation of apprentices.   

 

The skilled trades aren't solely about construction - the field's evolving with technological innovations. Many industries like technology, entertainment, marine, agriculture, hospitality, beauty , and aer ospace need qualified trades professionals .    

 

Earning a trades certification can give youth an edge when explor ing other fields like engineering, construction management, technology, and manufacturing. C arpentry skills can be useful in civil engineering; electrical skills in renewable energy, technology, and instrumentation engineering. Certified tradesp eople also have great careers in education, government services , and civil defense.   

 

W hatever your strengths - creative, analytical, mechanical , dexterous , inventive - there's a trade for you at itabc.ca .