Skills Canada Saskatchewan Holds First In-Person Competition Since 2019

Today, Skills Canada Saskatchewan kicks off its annual skills competition, with apprentices, post-secondary students, and high school students from across the province competing in more than 25 categories for medals and the chance to represent Saskatchewan at the Skills Canada National competition. This event marks the first time the competition has been held in person since 2019, with the main competition taking place at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Idylwyld campus in Saskatoon.

The competition categories range from technical skills such as computer animation, coding, robotics, and photography to skilled trades such as autobody repair, bricklaying, carpentry, machining, cooking, hairstyling, and welding. The event is open to visitors between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Jeremy Harrison, the Immigration and Career Training Minister, acknowledged that skilled workers are in high demand and that these participants have already made great progress on their career pathways. He emphasized that regardless of the competition outcome, the participants have demonstrated dedication, innovation, and teamwork, with bright futures ahead.

Jeff Ritter, the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission Chief Executive Officer, remarked that competitions like these are a wonderful way for skilled tradespeople to showcase their talents and demonstrate to employers that they have the ability to succeed in any workplace.

Jayden Leister, the new Executive Director for Skills Canada Saskatchewan and a former Skills Canada Saskatchewan competitor in the Mobile Robotics competition, expressed his excitement to be part of the planning and execution of the annual provincial competition. He thanked all the volunteers, sponsors, and alumni for supporting this year’s competition.

Dr. Larry Rosia, the Saskatchewan Polytechnic President and CEO, wished all students participating in the 2023 Skills Canada Saskatchewan competition the best of luck, highlighting that this annual competition provides students with the opportunity to showcase their talents, build confidence, network, and add these achievements to their resumes.

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

This competition is a great way to promote skilled trades and technology careers to young people and encourage them to develop their talents and explore these fields. The dedication, innovation, and teamwork demonstrated by these participants are qualities that will serve them well in their future careers.