The 2017 National Skills Canada Competition has been announced and is scheduled to happen from May 31 to June 3, 2017, at the RBC Convention Centre in downtown Winnipeg. This announcement was made by Jobs and the Economy Minister Kevin Chief.
“Some of our province’s most talented and hard-working young people are teaming up to show the rest of the country the skills they have trained diligently to develop,” said Minister Chief. “They are amazing role models in their hometowns and neighbourhoods, and they make Manitoba proud.”
The competition is anticipated to attract more than 18,000 visitors and more than 500 youth who will compete in various areas, Minister Chief said. Participants in the competition are youth and apprentices enrolled in trades training programs in colleges and high schools across Canada.
“In collaboration with Skills Canada Manitoba, Red River College has been the host site for the Annual Skills Canada Manitoba competition and we are very excited to be part of the 2017 Skills Canada National Competition coming to Winnipeg,” said Paul Vogt, president and CEO, Red River College. “We applaud the government of Manitoba on making skilled trades and technology a priority and their investment in our new state-of-the-art Skilled Trades and Technology Centre currently under construction at the Notre Dame campus.”
The competition brings together students and apprentices to promote the skilled trades and to reinforce their importance in building a strong provincial economy, the minister noted.
“Skills/Compétences Canada is thrilled to see the 2017 Skills Canada National Competition coming to Winnipeg in 2017,” said Shaun Thorson, chief executive officer, Skills/Compétences Canada. “The event will provide tremendous opportunities for students from across the province of Manitoba to develop a stronger appreciation for the importance of skilled trades and technology careers.”
“Skills Canada Manitoba is the premiere organization in the province of Manitoba in promoting skilled trades and technology careers through engaging, hands-on activities,” said Maria Pacella, executive director, Skills Canada Manitoba.
The Manitoba government is providing $100,000 to the competition as a lead sponsor of the event.
