June 10, 2011 – Stanley Hand Tools and Dewalt Power Tools & Accessories, the official sponsors of the 2011 Canadian Skills Competition, have now begun a five-year partnership with Skills Canada, which includes a new legacy tool program where the companies will donate the hand and power tools and accessories used throughout the National Competitions to local schools in the city hosting the event.

This year’s competition ran from June 1-4 in Quebec City (the team from EBMag was there!), and will see schools in the Quebec area receive a package of tools valued more than $75,000.

“It is a great honour to be part of the 2011 National Competition and to partner with the Skills Canada organization,” said Jocelyn Stephen, brand manager for Stanley & Dewalt. “With so many talented and future skilled trade students in attendance, we are happy to be providing them with quality hand and power tools as part of the Competition from Stanley and Dewalt.”

The national competition featured 500 secondary and post-secondary competitors from all 13 provinces and territories, competing for national titles in everything from welding to carpentry, robotics to hairstyling and auto service to cooking. Stanley Hand Tools and Dewalt Power Tools & Accessories provided different products to be used in the construction and manufacturing sector competitions.

These packages will feature tools including: Dewalt cordless drills, mitre saws and Stanley screwdrivers.

“It is because of sponsors like Stanley and Dewalt that we are able to continue to encourage and support a coordinated Canadian approach to promoting skilled trades and technologies to youth,” said Shaun Thorson, CEO of Skills. “With industry partners like Stanley and Dewalt, we can continue to help inspire and encourage youth to pursue professions in skilled trades and technology while ensuring industry has the pipeline of skilled labour force that they need for the future.”