May 1, 2017 – EBMag is always excited when we have the opportunity to step out and cover a Skills event—in this case, the 28th annual Skills Ontario Competition, being held right now at the Toronto Congress Centre.

The competition is a 3-day event that will see over 2300 elementary, secondary and post-secondary students showcase and test their skills in 68 unique skilled trade and technology contests. According to Skills Ontario, this competition is the largest skilled trade and technology competition in Canada.

Also WATCH Who says arc flash PPE can’s be fun?.

Of course, our focus being electrical, I stopped by the ECAO-IBEW display and—Wow!—what a crowd of students trying out wire stripping, putting on gloves, trying their hand at datacom & security, and talking about possible careers in the trade. And, as always, it was great bumping into Patty DeMonte of IBEW-CCO, and the volunteers from Locals 353 and 804.

Right next door to ECAO-IBEW was the Electrical Competition area. Unfortunately, this competition doesn’t start until tomorrow, May 2, but I was still able to get in and chat with CSA Group’s Bob Nelson and Electrical Safety Authority’s Virginia Pohler before they, too, were flooded with curious students.

Also WATCH Great interest in electrician & electrical from students.

Photo: A. Capkun

Photo: A. Capkun

Photo: A. Capkun

Photo: A. Capkun

Photo: A. Capkun

Photo: A. Capkun

Photo: A. Capkun

Photo: A. Capkun

Photo: A. Capkun

Photo: A. Capkun

Photo: A. Capkun

Photo: A. Capkun

The focus of Day 1 (today, May 1) is on Elementary student participation and skill development. Elementary Students from across the province will participate in a range of workshops and challenges designed to introduce them to career opportunities and relevant skills in the skilled trades and technologies.

The secondary and post-secondary-level contests take place on Days 1 and 2.

“Because of the contribution from many industry, education and government partners—including the Government of Ontario—Skills Ontario is able to offer innovative and engaging programming at the Skills Ontario Competition, in addition to the 68 contests, that promote skilled trade and technology careers to young Ontarians,” said Gail Smyth, executive director, Skills Ontario.

Also WATCH Students learn about datacom & security.

More than 22,000 students, spectators and other guests from all over the province will visit this year’s Skills Ontario Competition.