Toronto, Ontario — May 28, 2019 — The 25th Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) is being hosted in Halifax started today, bringing more than 550 students together to compete in skilled trade and technology-related competitions.
Since its initial launch in 1994, the SCNC has strived to provide a hands-on experience to students and apprentices interested in the trades.
Along with the 550 participants, the event is expected to draw in about 7,000 visitors.
While watching the competitors strive to claim the gold medal in their competitions may be the main event, it is not the only attraction. Guests have the opportunity to meet leaders in the industry as well as participate in activities such as autobody painting in virtual training booths.
Students who participate in competitions compete under six sectors; construction, employment, information technology, manufacturing and engineering, services, and transportation.
Cecille Bukmeier, an auto body technician and instructor, has been involved in SNCN in the past after hearing about it as a car painter in a collision repair shop.
“I was able to demonstrate my knowledge and abilities in front of industry experts at the Skills Alberta competition for car painting,” said Bukmeier. “I still remember the feeling I had right after the competition, pride and relief.”
“Relief that I had made it through, but overwhelmingly proud that I had made it as far as I did.”
Bukmeier is taking a team of Canadian competitors to Kazan Russia later this year to compete in the WorldSkills Competition.
Winners from this week’s competitions may be eligible to attend, the announcement will be made at the closing ceremony on May 30 from 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
“The opportunities they have this year will put them ahead in their career,” Bukmeier wrote in a recent column in Bodyworx Professional.
“Receiving specialized training and getting the opportunity to represent Canada at the World Skills competition will be a life-changing event for all the competitors attending.”
Over the past 25 years, the Skills Canada Competition has encouraged students to pursue their skills in the trade and technology industry. According to the SNCN website, the competitions have “injected more than 2 million dollars into the local economy”.
For more information on the Skills Canada Competition, or for updates on the event, visit skillscompetencescanada.com.
