Department of Education announces $10,000 for Skills Canada

The Department of Education is allocating $10,000 to Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador, a non-profit organization which promotes trades and technology as career options for students.

"I am pleased to support a program that helps young people explore their career options," said Education Minister Judy Foote.

"Skills Canada predicts that this year, we will see 40 per cent of new jobs in highly skilled trades, up from the current 24 per cent. This presents a unique opportunity for students pursuing careers in the skilled trades," said Minister Foote. "It is important that high school and post-secondary students be aware of all their options when they�re making choices about their careers."

Skills Canada promotes trades and technology by sponsoring school, provincial, national and world skills competitions. These competitions test skills such as TV video production, welding, hairdressing and Internet web design. Forty-five high schools and campuses in Newfoundland and Labrador are taking part this year.

"Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador is extremely pleased that the Department of Education is supporting this year�s provincial student trade and technology competitions," said Carole Ann Ryan, executive director of Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador.

"This support will help ensure that students from every part of the province will have an opportunity to compete. Geographic isolation and transportation costs will not be a barrier for any of our talented students," added Ms. Ryan. "Winners of the provincials will go on to represent the province at the 6th annual Skills Canada competitions in Quebec City in June."

Media contact: Andrea Maunder, Communications, (709) 729-0048.

2000 03 07                                                     3:55 p.m.