Mississauga, Ontario – Employment and Social Development Canada

The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, today congratulated and presented awards to winners at the closing ceremonies of the 20th annual Skills Canada National Competition. Hosted by Skills/Compétences Canada, the annual competition promotes careers in skilled trades and technologies to Canadian youth and features over 500 of Canada’s best young competitors in 42 different areas.

Minister Kenney spoke about the Government of Canada’s strong belief that a career in the skilled trades should have as much value and worth as a university degree. To that end, the Government of Canada is encouraging and helping Canadians pursue a career in the skilled trades with measures like the new Canada Apprentice Loan, the Canada Job Grant, grants, and tax credits.

A strong supporter of Skills/Compétences Canada, Minister Kenney announced over $14 million in federal funding over the next three years to help the organization maintain its important work. Of the total, more than $1.4 million will be used to promote the importance of literacy and essential skills in finding employment, while over $12.8 million will go towards supporting skills competitions and the continued promotion of the value of careers in trades and technology. By investing in skills development for today’s youth, the Government is supporting the long-term growth and prosperity of Canada’s economy.

Quick Facts

• Top medal winners of this national competition may have the chance to compete in the next World Skills Competition in Sao Paulo, Brazil in August 2015.
• Skills/Compétences Canada reports that Canada will need one million skilled trade workers by 2020.
• The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s 2013 youth perception survey indicated that almost 40 percent of youth had considered a career in the trades. However, young people continue to perceive university as first choice. Government and employers need to do more to encourage youth to pursue careers in the skilled trades.
• The Government of Canada is providing more information on job prospects and the benefits of working in the skilled trades, science, technology, engineering and mathematics to promote education in these high-demand fields.

Quotes

“Congratulations to all of this year’s participants and winners. We need more of the skills that you have demonstrated to address Canada’s skills gap. Our government is proud to support the Skills Canada National Competition, which is an exceptional showcase for talented young competitors and will inspire other young people to explore careers in the skilled trades and technology sectors.”

- The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development

“Every year, Skills/Compétences Canada programs and competitions across the country reach more than 300,000 young people and consequently have a major positive impact on their career choices and lives. We are very grateful to be able to impact Canada’s future workforce with the assistance of many partners, including the ongoing support of Employment and Social Development Canada. We are particularly thrilled that Minister Kenney is able to personally show his support for Canada’s youth by attending the 20th Skills Canada National Competition.”

- Shaun Thorson, CEO, Skills/Compétences Canada

 src:news.gc.ca