National Skilled Trades Day in Canada

By: Skills/Compétences Canada

In order to promote trades and technical careers to young Canadians, Skills/Compétences Canada (S/CC) hosted the first annual Skilled Trades Day in Canada on October 30th, 2006. The official launch was in the National Capital of Ottawa at Algonquin College where it was officially kicked-off by the Government of Canada’s President of the Treasury Board, Minister John Baird and Mike Holmes of the popular TV show “Holmes on Homes”. Minister Baird and Mr. Holmes participated in a demonstration by Nathan Banke, Canada’s 2007 WorldSkills Competition Automotive Service Technician representative. 

Following the launch ceremony S/CC representatives including Mike Holmes and Nathan Banke were invited to Parliament Hill for an official declaration in the House of Commons where they also had the opportunity to meet The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada.

In Canada, many young Canadians do not understand the value of a career in skilled trades and technology. As a result, employers in many parts of Canada find it difficult to hire and retain skilled workers to combat the affects of their ageing workforce or their growing business needs.

S/CC plays an important role by raising the awareness of the value of skilled trades and technology careers. Through provincial/territorial, national and international skills competitions as well as career awareness programs, S/CC makes skilled trades and technology careers more visible to youth, parents, and educators as well as the general public. Our programs attract youth into these promising and important careers, helping industry find well-trained, well-prepared young people now and in the future.

As part of National Technology Week and Canada Career Week, S/CC offices across the country hosted events and activities to celebrate National Skilled Trades Day. The events, involving 1000’s of young people participating in “hands-on” activities, were designed to ultimately entice youth to choose a career in trades or technologies.

With the government’s support, corporate sponsors and dedicated educators, the message is clear that choosing such a career path is lucrative, challenging and fulfilling.

For more information:
www.skillscanada.com