May 28, 2014 – Next week, 500 of Canada’s best skilled trade and technology students and apprentices will converge at The International Centre in Toronto for the 20th Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC), and EBMag will be there!

“It’s amazing to watch these kids compete,” said Mike Holmes, official Skills/Compétences Canada (SCC) spokesperson. “Their drive and passion is unbelievable. They want to be here and they leave everything on the competition floor. They’re changing the way people think of the skilled trades. That’s huge.”

The event will include 42 separate competitions in 6 different sectors: construction, services, manufacturing, transportation, information technology and employability. Medal winners earning the best marks will have a chance to form WorldSkills Team Canada 2015, travelling to the 43rd WorldSkills Competition in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

In addition to the competitions, SCNC will offer visitors the opportunity to participate in over 40 Try-A-Trade and Technology activities. Other features of the event include interactive demonstrations on the Essential Skills Stage, over 70 exhibitors in the Career Zone and many networking opportunities with industry leaders.

“The Skills Canada National Competition is a great opportunity for young people to learn about skilled trades and technology careers through hands-on activities and inspiring presentations,” noted SCC’s CEO Shaun Thorson. “Exposing students to these opportunities early on is a key factor in broadening their career prospects and ensuring they understand the importance of acquiring essential skills while in elementary and secondary school.”

Other celebrity participants include HGTV’s Bryan Baeumler and Paul Lafrance of Decked Out. Admission is free June 5 and 6, but tickets are available for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and other VIP events.

Skills Canada was founded in 1989 as a national, not-for-profit that works with employers, educators, labour groups and governments to promote skilled trades and technology careers among Canadian youth.