Skills Canada BC to Host 2013 National Competition

It has been announced that Vancouver will host the 19th annual Skills Canada National Competition in 2013, allowing B.C. students to go head-to-head with students from across the country during Canada’s largest display of trade and technology talent.

“We are excited B.C. has been chosen to host the 2013 national competition,” says Minister of Advanced Education, Naomi Yamamoto. “It will be a chance for our many talented B.C. students to compete and demonstrate their skills on home turf.”

The Skills Canada National Competition brings together over 500 secondary, post-secondary, and apprenticeship students in over 40 trade and technology contests in an Olympic-style event. From hairdressing to carpentry to web design, competitors put their skills in math and science to the test, as well as challenge their problem-solving, teamwork, and creative thinking skills. Every year, the national competition attracts over 12,000 participants and spectators.

“A key foundation of the BC Jobs Plan is an educated and skilled workforce, ready to take on the jobs of tomorrow. With a strong focus on regional skills needs, we are working to ensure labour supply meets demand,” says Minister of Jobs, Tourism, and Innovation Pat Bell. “We need to have the right people, with the right skills, at the right time as part of the most talented workforce possible.”

Winners of the Skills Canada competition go on to compete at the WorldSkills Competition, representing Canada.

Dates and locations for the 2013 event are to be announced. In 2012, the 18th Skills Canada National Competition will be held May 13-16 at the Edmonton Expo Centre in Alberta.

For more information and updates, visit www.skillscanada.bc.ca.