Youth Compete For Medals At Skills Canada Saskatchewan Virtual Competition

Released on April 12, 2021

Today kicks off the week long Skills Canada Saskatchewan Virtual Provincial Competition.

Apprentices, post-secondary students and high school students from across the province will showcase their skills for a chance to win medals and earn recognition.  Participants also compete to represent the province at the Skills Canada Virtual National Competition scheduled for June 15, 2021.

The provincial competition rewards students for excellent performance and raises awareness of the career opportunities in the skilled trade and technology sectors.

"Good luck to everyone competing at this year's virtual provincial competition," Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said.  "Thank you for demonstrating the passion and innovation required to excel in the skilled trade and technology sectors.  These are meaningful careers that make significant contributions to our province's economy."

While the competition typically takes place in locations open to the public across Saskatchewan, this year, due to the pandemic, competitors will participate individually from their own locations - whether it be their home, workplace, school or training facility.

"This competition is our organization's largest annual event," Skills Canada Saskatchewan Executive Director Colin Phippard said.  "It's a chance for us to celebrate the incredible skills our province's young people possess; and to acknowledge the important work performed by people in these sectors."

"Best wishes and good luck to all students competing at the 2021 virtual Skills Canada Saskatchewan competition," Saskatchewan Polytechnic President and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia said.  "This annual event is an important opportunity for many of our Sask Polytech students, who look forward to competing at the provincial level and who often find success at the national and international skills competitions.  Many events have had to find innovative ways to continue during the pandemic.  I'm excited to see this event continue virtually to showcase the exceptional skills and talent of Saskatchewan's young people."

There are more than 35 competition categories covering a wide range of skill sets.  Skilled trade categories include: plumbing; cooking; hairstyling; and welding. Technology categories include: architectural technology and design; coding; graphic design; photography and electronics.

Competitions are designed by technical experts from industry and educational institutions.  Competitors are also judged by industry representatives, giving them the opportunity to receive feedback and learn from those currently working in the fields.  Competitors will be required to complete their projects within a specified timeframe.  Some final projects will be shipped to specific locations where they will be evaluated by industry judges; other events will be judged via livestream.

"We are so proud of the apprentices who participate in this competition," Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission CEO Jeff Ritter said.  "The skilled trades attract people who are problem solvers; people who like to stay active and work with their hands.  These competitors prove there is no shortage of talent when it comes to young skilled tradespeople."

The provincial competition wraps up Friday, April 16.

On Friday, May 7, Skills Canada Saskatchewan will host a virtual medal ceremony to recognize the winners, as well as a virtual career expo highlighting careers in the skilled trade and technology sectors.  These events are open to the public.

Skills Canada Saskatchewan, a non-profit provincial organization affiliated with the national body, Skills Competences Canada, encourages youth to consider careers in the skilled trade and technology sectors.

For more competition details, please visit www.skillscanadasask.com.  To register for the online medal ceremony and career expo, please visit https://virtualskillssask2021.vfairs.ca/en

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