Ontario wins 51 medals at Skills Canada National Championship

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Ontario Construction News staff writer

More than 350 students and apprentices from across Canada competed in the Skills Canada National Championship in over 45 skills at the Vancouver Convention Centre and virtually.

Team Ontario won 51 medals: 22 gold, 19 silver, and 10 bronze. Seven of the gold medalists from Ontario will compete with Team Canada for the WorldSkills competition. In 2021, Team Ontario brought home 29 medals.

“We are very proud of all of our competitors,” Ian Howcroft, CEO of Skills Ontario, said in a statement.

“Advancing to the National level is a massive achievement on its own, and we congratulate all Team Ontario competitors for their success. Throughout the pandemic, students have been resilient in developing their skills and putting their efforts into programs like these. The future of Ontario is in good hands, and it’s important that we support and celebrate youth who are pursuing these fields.”

The complete list of medalists in six skilled trade and technology sectors including construction, manufacturing and engineering is available here.

“You’re all helping us raise awareness of how important these careers are for our economy,” Sue LeFort, VP of Skills Canada said at the closing ceremony. “We’ve had thousands of youth, student visitors on site over the last couple of days to watch the competitors in action ad try their hand at several interactive skilled trade and technology activities.

“This event is a great way to get our future skilled workforce informed about all the exciting career opportunities that exist within these sectors.”

LeFort commended competitors for choosing to compete and continue to develop their skills during the pandemic.

Being adaptable “makes you more employable and more in demand,” she said.

“We saw over the last couple of years that trades people . . . are the backbone of this country. They’re what kept this country going amidst this pandemic.”

Students, industry leaders, government officials and industry celebrities took part in activities such as the Skills for Success Stage and over 40 Try-A-Trade® and Technology activities.

The goal of SCNC is to engage Canadian youth and promote all of the exciting and lucrative careers that are available to them in the skilled trades and technologies. It is the only national multi-trade and technology event of its kind for young students and apprentices in the country.

“Events like the Skills Canada National Competition encourage Canadian youth to explore and discover skilled trade and technology careers through interactive activities. It also allows us to raise awareness of these important careers to our future workforce,” said Shaun Thorson, Chief Executive Officer, Skills/Compétences Canada.

This event is supported by our Funding Partners the Government of Canada, and the Government of British Columbia, as well as our Presenting Sponsors, UA Canada, and TC Energy.

The 2023 Skills Canada National Competition will be held May 25 – 26, 2023 in Winnipeg.

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