Minister Congratulates Skilled Trades and Technology Competitors

Employers in Nova Scotia have access to some of the most skilled youth in the country. Team Nova Scotia recently returned from the Canadian Skills Competition in Saskatchewan with a record number of medals in skilled trades and technologies.

Forty-three competitors, including apprentices, community college and high school students, competed with 500 other Canadians at the national competition in Saskatoon, Sask., June 6-9. Nova Scotia won bronze, silver and gold medals in 16 different categories of skilled trades and technologies -- the province's best showing at the annual competition.

"Nova Scotia's performance further demonstrates that we have one of the most talented, skilled workforces in the country and some of the best training programs," said acting Education Minister Jamie Muir. "We know employers across the country are having difficulty finding skilled workers to meet their demands. In this competitive climate, it's critical for employers to connect with youth earlier on, while they are still training or in school. We need to show youth that there are solid opportunities to stay and work in Nova Scotia -- and in the process, employers can build relationships with highly skilled, potential employees."

Kyle Kelly, an NSCC student at Kingstec campus, won a gold medal in the Landscape Gardening category.

"Participating in the competition let me challenge myself and compete with the best in my field," said Mr. Kelly. "I love working outdoors and creating a landscape. I choose to do this trade in Nova Scotia because this is where I'm from and I want to make it a nice, more healthy place to live."

Team Nova Scotia adopted a new training program for this year's competition. All competitors were paired with a mentor in their field to help them train and prepare for the competition. Most mentors were Nova Scotia Community College faculty members.

"I would like to congratulate all competitors, and their trainers, on this impressive achievement," said Mr. Muir. "This required plenty of commitment and training and it's obvious that all of the hard work paid off at the competition."

For more information on the 13th annual Canadian Skills Competition, visit www.skillscanada.com

The Department of Education is a proud sponsor of Skills Canada - Nova Scotia, a not-for-profit organization that actively promotes careers in skilled trades and technology to Nova Scotia youth.