Advanced Education and Skills
March 30, 2015

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

Newfoundland and Labrador to be Well-Represented at National Skills Competition

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador’s annual skilled Career Day held last Friday at College of the North Atlantic’s Prince Phillip Drive campus in St. John’s. I want to thank event sponsors from industry and academia and congratulate all participants, in particular the 48 gold medal winners from the annual competition who will now represent Newfoundland and Labrador at the national skills competition in Saskatoon in late May.

Over 350 junior high, high school and post-secondary students, as well as registered local apprentices, participated in the annual competition. These individuals had the opportunity to showcase their tremendous abilities and compete against some of the finest from around Newfoundland and Labrador in their respective programs.

Mr. Speaker, competitors travelled to St. John’s from across the province and represented several educational institutions. All competitors displayed incredible knowledge in their field of study and enhanced their skill level over the course of the competition.

In addition to the provincial competition, other featured activities for students and apprentices during skilled Career Day included interactive Try-a-Trade demonstrations, employment sessions, a career showcase, a skills work for women conference and campus tours.

Mr. Speaker, as a government, we are committed to ensuring students and apprentices have access to high-quality training programs in Newfoundland and Labrador and can benefit from the opportunity to work directly with employers and businesses that support the many industries here in the province.

We have been a long-standing supporter of interactive and engaging experiences for students and apprentices to help them get the hands-on experience they need to start in on their career path and contribute to the local workforce and provincial economy.

Best of luck to the 48 gold medal winners from the annual competition as you prepare for the national skills competition. I know you will represent your communities and Newfoundland and Labrador well and make us proud.

Thank you.

2015 03 30                              1:50 p.m.