Skills/Compétences Canada (S/CC) hosted the official launch of Skilled Trades and Technology Week 2009 at a joint event that also marked the opening of the new Humber Centre for Trades & Technology.

Mike Holmes (“Holmes on Homes”), Diane Finley, minister of human
resources and skills development, and officials from SC/C in launching
Skilled Trades and Technology week at the Humber College Institute of
Technology & Advanced Learning. The launch was made official with a
“Cutting of the Plank” ceremony, which drew attention to the
construction theme of the event.

“Skilled Trades and Technology Week allows Skills/Compétences Canada to
showcase the rewarding career opportunities these fields have to
offer,” said Finley.

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“At the regional, provincial and national level, Skilled Trades and
Technology Week helps showcase and raise awareness for the broad range
of opportunities to be found in the trades, while inspiring and
encouraging youth to reach their unlimited options pursuing career
paths in skilled trades and technology,” said Shaun Thorson, executive
director, S/CC.

An initiative of S/CC, Skilled Trades and Technology Week generates
awareness of the growing skilled labour challenges in Canada, and
recognizes students developing trade and technology skills. According
to the Conference Board of Canada, says S/CC, a shortage of more than
one million skilled workers is forecast by 2020, with an estimated 40%
of all new jobs in the skilled trades and technology industries.

Through Skills Canada provincial/territorial offices, students across
the country will take part in events to help develop their trade and
technology skills to gain insight and inspiration into future career
opportunities. Utilizing various trade and technology techniques
including design, engineering and construction skills, students will
participate in a variety of programs and competitions ranging from
Cardboard Boat races, where students need to construct their own vessel
and then keep it afloat and race it against others, to a fastener relay
race, where students put their skills to the test by working as a team
to fasten together a wooden box.

The 16th Canadian Skills Competition will take place in Waterloo,
Ontario from May 20-23, 2010, and will be the final hurdle for many
young trade and technology students to secure a Team Canada spot for
the WorldSkills Competition taking place October 2011 in London, United
Kingdom.

Skills/Compétences Canada a national not-for-profit organization that actively promotes careers in skilled trades.

CLICK HERE for Skills/Compétence Canada.