Minister congratulates provincial winners at Canadian Skills Competitions

Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education Minister Anna Thistle is pleased to congratulate young people from this province who were awarded medals at the 9^th annual Canadian Skills Competitions in Waterloo, Ontario, May 28 to June 1, 2003.

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians were awarded 21 medals in 16 of 34 competitions - the best showing from this province to date.

Skills Canada is an annual event organized to profile technology and trade-based careers, and provide students with challenging industry level project competitions. It was formed in response to the major shortages in the trade and technology sectors across the country that have been predicted by industry and government.

"I am extremely proud of the competitors who represented our province at this event," said Minister Thistle. "Skilled trades are essential to building and maintaining our economy, and the Department of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education fully supports them as viable career options for young people."

Those receiving medals include:

• Internet Web Design (post-secondary): Mark Porter and Gerri Coady, College of the North Atlantic, Prince Philip Drive Campus, St. John�s.
• Principles of Technology (secondary): Gaetan Kenway, Marystown Central High, Marystown.
• Manufacturing Team Challenge (post-secondary): Michael Greene, Jason Conway, Jason Sparrow, Alfred Sanford, College of the North Atlantic, Prince Phil Drive Campus, St. John�s.

• Graphic Design: College of the North Atlantic, Prince Philip Drive Campus, St. John�s.
• IT PC Network Support (secondary): Michael Mullins, Holy Heart of Mary Regional High School, St. John�s.
• Architectural Design (post-secondary): Melissa Stockwood, College of the North Atlantic, Ridge Road Campus, St. John�s.
• Job Interview (secondary): Zaren White, Holy Spirit High School, Manuels.

• Carpentry (post-secondary): Brian Fewer, Carpenter's Training Institute, Mount Pearl.
• Refrigeration (post-secondary): Wayne Haynes, College of the North Atlantic, Ridge Road Campus, St. John�s.
• Sheet Metal (post-secondary): Leo Dillon, College of the North Atlantic, Happy Valley-Goose Bay Campus.
• Mechanical Design (post-secondary): Marshall Dodge, Academy Canada, St. John's.
• TV Video Production (secondary): Chris Nicholas and Dan Warren, Gonzaga High School, St. John�s.
• Culinary Arts (post-secondary): William Scott, College of the North Atlantic, Prince Philip Drive Campus, St. John�s.
• Hairstyling (post-secondary): Julie Ryan, Woodford Training Centre, Kelligrews.
• Aircraft Maintenance (post-secondary): Dana Young, College of the North Atlantic, Gander Campus.
• Principles of Technology (secondary): Kingsley Gifford, Holy Spirit High School, Manuels.

Photo # 1: Members of Team Newfoundland and Labrador who represented the province at the recent Skills Canada Competitions in Waterloo, Ontario.

Media contact: Kathy Dicks-Peyton, Communications, (709) 729-6573

2003 06 03                                          1:00 p.m.