Skills/Compétences Canada S/CC—a national not-for-profit organization that promotes careers in skilled trades—recently hosted the official launch of Skilled Trades & Technology Week 2010 at a joint event that also marked a major funding contribution from home improvement retailer Lowe’s.

Alan Huggins, president of Lowe’s Canada, announced a $1.25-million contribution and the company’s five-year commitment to help S/CC promote skilled trades and technology professions to youth.

PHOTO: Skilled Trades & Technology Week, S/CC’s annual showcase of skilled trades and technical careers, was the focus of a media event held in Ottawa recently where a $1.25-million dollar contribution was provided by home improvement retailer Lowe’s to help close the gap on the impending shortage of skilled trade workers. Left to right: Marc-Olivier Bélanger, Team Canada 2009 welding competitor and Canadian champion; Diane Ablonczy, minister of state (seniors); Donovan Elliott, S/CC president, Chuck Deighton, teacher at Lester B. Pearson high school; and Alan Huggins, president, Lowe’s Canada.

“Lowe’s is committed to helping close the gap on the impending shortage of skilled trade workers that Canada is facing,” said Huggins. “We are very passionate about the work Skills Canada is doing and are thrilled to partner with them. Through our investment, we will work with Skills Canada to help prepare the next generation work force with the world-class skills needed to become the contractors and industry leaders of tomorrow.”

The Lowe’s funding program is aimed at engaging students and teachers looking to improve their school campus, curriculum delivery or surrounding community. The contribution supports high school-based projects currently in place in the provinces of Alberta and Ontario, and will expand to other regions as Lowe’s establishes retail locations in other communities.

“It is because of partners like Lowe’s that we are able to continue our mission to encourage and support a coordinated Canadian approach to promoting skilled trades and technologies to youth,” said Donovan Elliott, S/CC president. “Skilled trades are the foundation of industries that drive the Canadian economy. With industry partners like Lowe’s, we can continue to help inspire and encourage youth to pursue career paths in skilled trades and technology while ensuring industry has the pipeline of skilled labour workers that they need for the future.”

An initiative of Skills/Compétences Canada, Skilled Trades & Technology Week is an annual event that generates awareness of the growing skilled labour challenges in Canada, and recognizes students developing trade and technology skills. The event includes interactive student skills demonstrations and activities across the country, hosted by S/CC provincial/territorial offices.

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