KITCHENER – Sixty five students from across the province represented Ontario as they competed in various skilled trades and technology contests at the 15th Canadian Skills Competition held in Charlottetown. P.E.I. on May 20th – 23rd. Team Ontario took home 40 medals, including 18 Gold, 12 Silver and 10 Bronze of the 58 contests they were competing in. Team Ontario’s gold medal wins are up 65% over the 2008 Canadian Skills Competition.

Every year, this national event brings together over 500 young people from all regions of Canada, along with their parents and advisors, to compete in over 40 trade and technology areas. The competition provides an opportunity for young Canadians studying a skilled trade or technology to be tested against exacting standards and against their peers from across the nation. Students vie to win the honour of being crowned the best in their chosen discipline.

The main goals of this event are to provide competitors with hands-on work experience and to raise awareness for the general population of the value of and challenge in skilled trades and technology careers. The journey to the Canadian Skills Competition is a long one for many students as they must compete at local, regional and then the Ontario Technological Skills Competition, which was held on May 4th ‐ 6th, 2009 in Waterloo, Ontario, to gain their place on Team Ontario. Congratulations to the competitors as well as the coaches, teachers and families for their support.

September 1-6, 2009, Canada plays host to the WorldSkills Competition in Calgary. Seven students from Ontario qualified in 2008 to be members of Team Canada 2009. The 2010 Canadian Skills Competition will be held May 20th – 23rd, in Waterloo, Ontario. Skills Canada – Ontario is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the development of youth and the prosperity of industry in Ontario. We strive to promote the skilled trades and technologies as viable, first choice career options for young people.

Since 1989, through partnerships in education, industry, labour and government, we are helping young people brighten their futures and industry to strengthen theirs. By equipping industry with the skilled employees it needs to succeed, Skills Canada Ontario is also ensuring that Ontario remains competitive in the global marketplace. For additional information, or to make a donation to the Skills Canada – Ontario Bursary which provides financial support for the travel costs for Team Ontario please contact Carolyn Hartlen, Director of Public Relations at (519) 749-9899 ext. 231 or email carolynh@skillscanada.com