Advanced Education and Skills
June 4, 2015

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills:

Students Shine at Skills Canada National Competition

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to congratulate the 50 members of Team Newfoundland and Labrador that participated in the 21st annual Skills Canada National Competition which took place from May 27 to 30 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Every year, individuals from all corners of Canada, travel to attend the Skills Canada National Competition where they compete in over 40 skilled trades and technology contests. This competition provides hands-on work experience related to skilled trades and technology careers. It inspires students including apprentices to demonstrate the passion and dedication in skilled trades and technologies.

This year, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to say Team Newfoundland and Labrador took home 15 individual and team medals in 12 different trades and technology related competition areas from the event – three gold, seven silver and five bronze. These competition areas included autobody repair, electronics, brick masonry, robotics, steamfitter/pipefitter, baking, car painting, architectural technology and design, job search, job skill demonstration, photography and public speaking. The medal winners attend College of the North Atlantic, the UA Local 740 Training Centre and high schools located throughout the province.

Mr. Speaker, Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador was established in 1998 as part of an effort to maintain Canada’s international competitiveness, with a goal to raise awareness about skilled trades and technology sectors. In today’s global community, education is vital for success and our government is committed to accessibility and affordability so that our students have the tools they require to be the leaders of tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, the Provincial Government is supporting the continued development of a highly-skilled, well-educated workforce through a variety of initiatives designed to revitalize Newfoundland and Labrador’s apprenticeship system. In fact, the Provincial Government has committed more than $100 million over the past seven years to support skilled trades.

I wish to congratulate all students who participated in the competition and I hope they continue to show an interest in a skilled trades occupation and consider choosing one as their career path. Thank you.

2015 06 04                             2:05 p.m.