More than 1,200 competitors, technical advisors and judges will be in Charlottetown May 20-23 when Skills Canada PEI hosts the Canadian Skills Competition.
Five hundred provincial and territorial competitors will compete for Canadian champion in 40 different trades and technologies.
The provincial government is the major sponsor of the event.
“Prince Edward Island is extremely proud to host this exciting national event,” said Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning. “The Skills Canada Competition will showcase the skills and talents of young Canadians while creating an awareness of the need to build a dynamic workforce across the country.”
Skills Canada is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting the value of post-secondary education and training to ensure Canada has the skilled workforce it needs to remain competitive economically.
“One of the economic challenges we are facing today is a shortage of skilled workers,” said Minister Campbell. “This competition is a unique way to encourage our youth to get the training and education they need to take advantage of the job opportunities available in today’s economy.”
Skills Canada also works to create partnerships between business, education, government and labour to meet labour market demands.
“Today’s youth will be the driving force behind our economy as we move into the next decade,” said Minister Campbell. “A co-operative effort by our educational institutions, the private sector and government will ensure Canadians have the necessary skills to participate fully in our rapidly changing economy. I congratulate Skills Canada and Skills Canada PEI for bringing the stakeholders together in this impressive competition.”
Also attending the competition as a judge will be celebrity contractor Mike Holmes who is well-known for his phrase “make it right.”
Minister Campbell said the province will be well represented at the competition, so interested people can learn more about the rewarding careers that are available on PEI.
For more information on the Skills Canada Competition, visit www.skills2009.ca.