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Message from the CEO
As this year comes to an end, Skills/Compétences Canada (SCC) is proud of the work that we did in 2018.
The 2018 Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC), in Edmonton was a huge success with more than 9,000 student visitors over the two days and more than 550 competitors in 44 Skill Areas. I would like to thank the Skills Canada Alberta staff and the many volunteers for their collaboration and partnership.
For the first time we convened a meeting of the Skills Canada National Alumni Committee (NAC). The members of the NAC who represent every province and territory met to share best practices on how to further develop provincial/territorial alumni associations. It was an incredible first meeting and look to hear much more from them in 2019.
We launched a new process for the selection of the young Canadians that will represent Canada at the 45th WorldSkills Competition in Kazan, Russia in August of 2019. Our WorldSkills Team Canada 2019 Prospects are training hard to win a spot on the team and we had a chance to meet all of them at the WorldSkills Team Canada orientation meeting in September. These prospects will compete at the Team Canada selection event being held in conjunction with the 2019 Skills Canada National Competition in Halifax in May of 2019. Follow their journey on the Skills/Compétences Canada Website and stay tuned on our social media channels for updates and news.
In October, Skills/Compétences Canada staff attended the WorldSkills General Assembly, in Amsterdam, where they had the opportunity to be a part of the discussions around WorldSkills' Vision 2025. The meetings also included planning and strategic discussion for WorldSkills Kazan 2019. This will be the first time the WorldSkills Competition will be held in Russia.
In November, SCC hosted the 14th National Skilled Trades and Technology Week at the Halifax Convention Center. We had record-breaking attendance with over 500 local students and many industry partners. This important event was created in order to raise awareness of the rewarding careers that are available in the skilled trades and technologies. These careers have a resounding impact on our country's economy.
SCC's Member Organizations also hosted many events across Canada to engage and inform youth about skilled trade and technology careers.
As we turn the page from 2018 to 2019, Skills/Compétences Canada and Skills Canada Nova Scotia staff are gearing up for the 25th Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) being held May 28-29, 2019, at the Halifax Exhibition Centre, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This Skills Canada National Competition marks a milestone as we will be celebrating the 25th Skills Canada National Competition! We hope you will join us this year at SCNC Halifax 2019 in "Creating Possibilities" for Canadian youth.
In closing, I would like to thank all the Skills/Compétences Canada staff and our Member Organizations for the great work they did throughout the year to promote skilled trades and technology careers across the country. Thank you also to our volunteers and partners that made 2018 such a great success by continuing to contribute to the skills movement. Lastly, on behalf of the Skills/Compétences Canada staff and the National Board of Directors,
I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season!
See you in 2019!
Shaun Thorson
Chief Executive Officer
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Skills/Compétences Canada In the News
Here are some recent news clips featuring the skilled trades, National Skilled Trades and Technology Week, Skills/Compétences Canada (SCC) and its Member Organizations:
-Check out this news article on the SHS Skills Canada Boat Race published on November 19 in
Strathmore Now
.
-Read this article published on November 18 in
Electrical Industry Canada
:
Careers in Trades Website: New Design and Resources
, a joint initiative with Skills/Compétences Canada.
-Read this press release issued by Skills/Compétences Canada on November 6th: Students and Special Guests Gather in Halifax to Launch 14th National Skilled Trades and Technology Week.
-Read this interesting article featured in The Chronicle Herald on November 6: Aboriginal Skilled Trades Fair attracts attention.
-Check out this article published in Global News on November 5: Sask. celebrates Skilled Trades and Technology Week.
-Read this article featured in the Red Deer Express on November 2:
Three RDC students will be vying for spots on Team Canada for WorldSkills 2019 in Russia.
-Check out this article in La Revue on October 30:
Parmi les meilleurs au pays
(Amongst the best in the world) which
highlights Sébastien Brissette, WorldSkills Team Canada 2019 Prospect in Landscape Gardening.
-Read this article featured in Radio-Canada on October 5:
Une jeune coiffeuse de Rimouski dans la course pour le Mondial des métiers en Russie
(A young hairdresser from Rimouski is in the running for WorldSkills Kazan 2019).
-Check out this article in peicanada.com published on October 3:
West Prince youth vying for chance to represent Canada at WorldSkills Competition
.
-Read this interesting article pushed on September 27, in Transport Magazine: Kassandra Bilodeau, peintre de camions - L'expertise développée par la passion et le travail (Kassandra Bilodeau, car painter - her expertise was developed through her passion and hard work).
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Social Media Highlights
Check out our top social media posts:
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Essential Skills Corner
Supporting Indigenous Student Success in the Skilled Trades
Marisa Sosa, Essential Skills Program Manager, attended the Supporting Indigenous Student Success in the Skilled Trades roundtable workshop held by the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF) in Ottawa, on November 14. Participants learned about career awareness and training programs for Indigenous youth, gained insights from industry and Indigenous training organization sharing promising practices, and listened to Indigenous apprentices and journeypersons who shared their experiences. In addition, participants were able to network and share ideas with delegates from Indigenous organizations, policymakers, educators, and employers.
Join us for Cannexus 2019
Once again Skills/Compétences Canada is the sole sponsor of the Recharge Station at Cannexus 2019. Battery running low? Bring your mobile device to the Recharge Station at the Skills/Compétences Canada (SCC) booth and get charged up. While you wait, learn about promising skilled trade and technology careers. SCC will also have on hand numerous Essential Skills resources and the Mobile App stand. Test your Essential Skills and see what skilled trade or technology your skills are best suited for. For more information, go to: cannexus.ca.
Essential Skills Mobile App
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Students Learn About Essential Skills at Construction Trades Day
The Quinte Home Builders Association and Centre for Workforce Development hosted a Construction Trades Day for approximately 100 students. The students engaged with Weston Family Scholars and other mentors in the morning and tried a variety of hands-on activities in the afternoon. Members of the Weston Family Scholarship in the Skilled Trades at Loyalist College facilitated an informative activity using the Skills/Compétences Canada Essential Skills application.
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| Students learn about Essential Skills and participate in interactive activities during Construction Trades Day. |
"Exposing young minds to the variety of Essential Skills required to be successful in the skilled trades is essential to their success! To effectively address the demand in these professions, we need to take a holistic approach to preparing the next generation of skilled professional - the Essential Skills Application is a great tool for this," said Jeremy Braithwaite, Project Lead - the Weston Family Scholarship in the Skilled Trades. Mr. Braithwaite is also a National Technical Committee member of the Mechanical Engineering CAD Skill Area at the 2019 Skills Canada National Competition, in Halifax.
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SCC Wraps up an Impactful National Skilled Trades and Technology Week!
Skills/Compétences Canada (SCC) would like to thank everyone who participated at the Official Launch of the 14th National Skilled Trades and Technology Week (NSTTW), held on November 6 at the Halifax Convention Centre. This event is aimed at raising awareness to students and educators about the incredible skilled trade and technology career opportunities available across Canada.
This year's launch was a success with a record-breaking attendance that included industry and education partners, provincial government representatives and industry celebrities who were there to encourage Canada's youth to consider skilled trade and technology careers as first choice options. Special guests included: Hugh MacKay, MLA for Chester-St. Margaret's, on behalf of Labour and Advanced Education Minister Labi Kousoulis; HGTV's Holmes Inspection, Holmes Makes it Right and Holmes: Next Generation Sherry Holmes; John Oates, President, Skills/Compétences Canada; SCC CEO Shaun Thorson; Marjorie Davison, CEO, Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency; Marina Turbide, silver medalist, Job Search, at the 2017 Skills Canada National Competition, and Ryan Leedham, silver medalist, Aircraft Maintenance, at the 2015 WorldSkills Competition.
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| Visiting students participate in Try-A-Trade® and Technology activities at the Official Launch of National Skilled Trades and Technology Week, in Halifax. |
We would like to thank all of our partners who hosted over 30 Try-A-Trade® and Technology activities. At the NSTTW 2018 Launch, over 500 middle school and high school students, their teachers and some post-secondary students attended this flagship event. They tried the wide variety of interactive activities which give them a glimpse into the exciting skilled trade and technology career opportunities available to them. Thank you to our Official Launch partner the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency for their involvement and support. Also highlighted at the event was the importance of Continuous Learning, one of the nine Essential Skills identified as fundamental to working in the skilled trade and technology industries. For more information on the nine Essential Skills visit the Essential Skills webpage. SCC also took the opportunity to announce that the 25th Skills Canada National Competition will be taking place at the Halifax Exhibition Centre May 28 - 29. We hope you will join us in creating possibilities for Canadian youth at SCNC Halifax 2019!
In conjunction with the official launch of NSTTW, Skills Canada - Nova Scotia hosted Skilled Futures at STEMFest, in partnership with the Aboriginal Skilled Trades Fair. Participants were given the opportunity to explore skilled trade and technology career options by participating in hands-on workshops, ranging from 3D game art to tidal energy, and by visiting the interactive NSTTW Try-A-Trade® and Technology displays.
During the week, SCC's provincial/territorial Member Organizations across the country also hosted a series of events to promote skilled trade and technology activities in Canada. For more information, visit the NSTTW webpage on the SCC website.
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| Industry celebrity Sherry Holmes poses for a photo with visiting students at the Official Launch of NSTTW. |
Check out photos of this exciting day on our
Flickr
.
Stay tuned for our NSTTW 2018 recap booklet!
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SCNC 2019 National Technical Committee Planning Meeting
The chairs, co-chairs and the local committee members of the
44 Skill Areas
attended the SCNC planning meeting in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on November 2nd and 3rd. They were tasked with finalizing their projects and infrastructure requirements for the 2019 Skills Canada National Competition. Numerous SCNC sponsors were there to review and discuss project infrastructure requirements with the committee members. Sponsors included UA Local 56, Stanley DeWalt, Sirco, Shaw Brick, Sandvik Coromant, Rockwell Automation, Ridgid, Lincoln Electric, JD Irving, Kent Lumber, the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, Mac Tools, Computers for Schools NS, the Cosmetology Association of Nova Scotia, Canadian Woodworker, Volkswagen, Viega, Emerson, Festo. Atlantic Compressed Air, Graybar, Janome, ConsuLab, IBEW, LCN Canada, Kerr Controls, Mitutoyo, ABB Installations, the Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council, and Nova Scotia Community College. Having the partners attend this meeting with the committees is instrumental in the planning process.
Skills/Compétences Canada would like to thank these dedicated volunteer committee members and our sponsors who work hard over the course of the year to ensure that the Skills Canada National Competition is a success! We could not do it without all of you!
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2018 WorldSkills General Assembly held in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Representatives from the 80 WorldSkills Member countries/regions gathered last October in Amsterdam for the 2018 WorldSkills General Assembly (GA). The goal of the GA is to discuss the direction of WorldSkills, and how Member countries and regions can promote skills globally to help fuel economies. Aligning with WorldSkills' Vision 2025, the WorldSkills General Assembly 2018 incorporated engagement and input from external stakeholders. Throughout the week, there were many WorldSkills Meetings with group discussions related to WorldSkills' focus areas. To read more, go to
worldskills2018.com
.
The WorldSkills Conference 2018 was hosted during the GA and focused on the theme of Uniting for Youth: Building networks for innovative skills solution. This included discussions on how young people can be inspired to take up skills, how skills can be developed through raising standards in countries around the world, and how we can all influence national and international stakeholders to improve skills provision. For
more information:
worldskillsconference.com/2018
.
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WorldSkills Team Canada 2019 Prospects Gather in Ottawa to Begin Preparations
The WorldSkills Team Canada 2019 Prospects gathered in Ottawa, last September, with their trainer and expert to discuss their upcoming training and project leading up to the 45th WorldSkills Competition. During this meeting they were able to participate in their first mental preparation activity, which is very instrumental in their training. The Prospects met with the team leaders and engaged in a team building activity. The team leaders provided them with information on the competition and logistics if they become part of WorldSkills Team Canada 2019 that will travel to WorldSkills Kazan in August of 2019.
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| WorldSkills Team Canada 2019 Prospects met with their trainers and experts in Ottawa to continue their preparations for the 45th WorldSkills Competition. |
The
WorldSkills Team Canada 2019 Prospects
will participate in various training activities and mental preparation between September 2018 and May 2019. Following this, they will participate in a WorldSkills Team Canada Selection Event either prior to or during SCNC Halifax 2019. The winners from the Selection Event will be named to WorldSkills Team Canada 2019 and represent Canada at WorldSkills Kazan 2019.
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Get Ready for the 2019 Skills Canada National Competition!
The countdown is on for the Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC), taking place May 27-30, 2019, at the Halifax Exhibition Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
2019 marks the 25th anniversary of the Skills Canada National Competition. Through SCNC, Skills/Compétences Canada promotes skilled trade and technology careers to Canadian youth. The Skills Canada National Competition is SCC's flagship event and is an ideal way to connect with tomorrow's workforce!
Approximately 7,500 student visitors will participate in over 50
Try-A-Trade® and Technology activities during the two-day competition, May 28 and 29. Over 550 provincial and territorial champions from across Canada will compete for medal placement in over 40 trade and technology competitions. In addition, WorldSkills Team Canada 2019 Prospects in up to 29 Skill Areas will participate in the Selection Event . The winners will be named as part of WorldSkills Team Canada 2019, representing Canada at the 45th WorldSkills Competition in Kazan, Russia in August of 2019!
The event is free and open to the public. Be sure to join us! Register your class and give them the opportunity to participate in and learn about skilled trade and technology careers through our school tours. Travel assistance is available! For more information,
go to our webpage
.
Career exhibitors, register now to take advantage of the Early Bird rate and receive $100 discount until January 31, 2019. Exhibit at the only national competition for skilled trades and technology that showcases Canada's leading youth!
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Follow Canada's Journey to Kazan for the World's Largest Skills Competition!
Every two years, the WorldSkills Competition represents the best of international excellence in skilled trades and technologies. 2019 will mark the first time that Russia is hosting the WorldSkills Competition. From August 22-27, 2019, young competitors from around the globe will gather at the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Centre for the 45th WorldSkills Competition, with the goal of earning the title of World Champion in their Skill Area.
These competitors represent the best of their peers and have earned a spot on their country's team through dedication and hard work. At the WorldSkills Competition, competitors will participate in simulated real work challenges, and will be judged against international quality standards.
About WorldSkills Kazan 2019
More than 1,300 competitors from up to 80 Member countries and regions will compete in over 50 Skill Areas representing six sectors:
- Manufacturing and Engineering Technology
- Information and Communication Technology
- Construction and Building Technology
- Transportation and Logistics
- Creative Arts and Fashion
- Social and Personal Services
The Competition takes place in front of approximately 150,000 spectators in over 800,000 square feet of space in a newly constructed building.
The WorldSkills Competition inspires youth to discover the many careers that are available in the skilled trade and technology sectors. With an increasing demand for skilled workers, the trade and technology sectors represent a lucrative and exciting career path for youth around the world. Throughout the Competition, stakeholders from industry, government, and education are provided with the opportunity to exchange information and best practices regarding industry and professional education at networking events and thought-provoking conferences.
The event slogan is "Skills for the Future", which is also the official Competition hashtag: #skillsforthefuture.
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In
dustry News and Stories
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Toshia Crawford, an apprentice metal fabricator in Nova Scotia, recounts her journey into the skilled trades
I first got interested in the skilled trades when I worked in the fast food industry and realized that I like working with my hands and learning through hands on experience. I chose to pursue a career as a metal fabricator because I love to be able to use my creativity and to build something from scratch. Seeing the final product is a rewarding experience to me.
My role model, a former neighbour, introduced me to Women Unlimited, which is a not-for-profit women's organization in Nova Scotia that promotes the full participation of women in trades and technology. This program provided excellent resources and I decided that the skilled trades would be a good fit for me.
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| Toshia is hard at work at Irving Shipbuilding, in Halifax, Nova Scotia. |
My advice for youth is to do what you love and not to choose a career based on money. I love what I do and I enjoy the challenges that come with my trade. For women pursuing a career in the skilled trades, which is a male dominated environment, my advice is to show them what you can do. Sometimes you have to prove yourself but this will make you a much stronger person.
I am currently working at Irving Shipbuilding and I plan on spending a long time there because I love building ships. My plan for 2019 is to go back to school for my last block and to write my Red Seal exam.
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Mentorship and Apprenticeship go Hand in Hand
Definition of apprenticeship
1:
a position as an apprentice : an arrangement in which someone learns an art, trade, or job under another.
Without mentorship, the skilled trades would cease to exist. Apprenticeship dates back thousands of years, as a means to train the next generation in the craft skills that could only be learned through years of on-the-job training.
Over time, apprenticeship programs have changed to a more structured system, but none the less, the importance of having journeyman teaching apprentices on the job has not changed, and it's because industry realizes the important role that mentorship plays. The passing of knowledge from one generation to the next is crucial to keep the art of the skilled trades alive. And with technology changing at a rapid pace, our workforce has learned to adapt, utilizing new skills while still passing on the tricks of the trade to the younger generation.
The UA has been involved in the apprenticeship system since its establishment in 1889. That's almost 130 years of mentorship and apprenticeship training in the piping industry. From HVACR techs, Plumbers, Gasfitters, Steamfitters/Pipefitters, Sprinkler Fitters and Welders, we have formalized training across the nation, as well as utilizing the traditional apprenticeship system, where dedicated Journeyman mentors are training apprentices, giving them the skills they require for a long, exciting and successful career in the piping industry.
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| UA apprentices perfect their trade through working with their mentors. |
The importance of mentorship will never vanish. The skilled trades are here to stay and are in demand more than ever. It is vitally important that we embrace careers within the skilled trades, proving to society that without them, our economy and way of life would collapse. UA Canada has over 56,000 members, each of whom are mentors in one way or another. Without those individuals to pass down knowledge, our apprentices would not be where they are today, and the skill of our industry would disappear. Here's to the next 130+ years of dedicated training within the piping industry, and successful careers in the skilled trades. Along with Skills/Compétences Canada, we can help to influence the youth of today to pursue a prosperous career they can be proud of! #UAProud #SCNC
Contributed by: UA
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Grade 9 Students in Nova Scotia Explore Skilled Trade Careers
As part of the Construction Association of Nova Scotia's "CANS Construction Connection" initiative, the Discovering Opportunities class from Graham Creighton Junior High School in Nova Scotia recently participated in a Construction Trades career fair project.
The day started with a construction site tour where students got to experience authentic working conditions and learned about the building process. The students then returned to their school and presented their projects. Each student selected a construction trade and researched details about the careers, labour market, and pathways to becoming certified.
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Junior high school students in Nova Scotia recently participated in a construction trades career fair project hosted by Lindsay Construction.
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Lindsay Construction provided an awesome learning experience for the students by hosting the site tour, providing project judges and donating prizes for the students. Thank you, as well, to Bird Stairs for donating safety vests for the students, and to Skills Canada - Nova Scotia for loaning steel toed boots. CANS Program Lead Lori Rogers, Graham Creighton Junior High and Halifax Regional Centre for Education, facilitated a great day of learning.
CANS Construction Connection
is supported by the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency in partnership with the Construction Association of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
Contributed by: Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
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Contributed by: Irwin
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SCNC 2019 Presenting Sponsors
SCNC 2019 Youth Engagement Sponsor
SCNC 2019 Premier Sponsor
SCNC 2019 Essential Skills Forum Sponsor
SCNC 2019 Official Sponsors
SCNC 2019 Supporting Sponsor
Try-A-Trade® and Technology Partners
Educational and Association Partners
Multi-Year Suppliers
Click here for a list of all sponsors and suppliers for SCNC Halifax 2019.
Click here for a list of all sponsors and suppliers for WorldSkills Kazan 2019.
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