NATIONAL SKILLS CANADA COMPETITION COMES TO SASKATOON IN 2007

Advanced Education and Employment Minister Pat Atkinson joined Skills Canada Saskatchewan chair Donavon Elliott today to announce that Saskatoon has been selected to host next year's national Skills Canada Competitions, June 4th – 9th, 2007.

"All of Canada is experiencing increased labour market demands for a skilled workforce in trades and technologies," Atkinson said. "With Skills Canada Saskatchewan and other education sector partners, Saskatchewan has made strides in promoting skilled trades and technologies as a first-choice career option for Saskatchewan youth."

Skills Canada competitions involve students from secondary, post-secondary and apprenticeship programs who participate in practical challenges to test skills required in trade and technical occupations. Competition areas include carpentry, electrical wiring, video production, web page design and welding.

"Saskatchewan is proud to be selected as the site of national skills competitions," Atkinson said. "This national event provides an ideal opportunity for Skills Canada Committees from all provinces and territories to come together to share information on training, programming, industry partnerships and successes. Students who compete are challenged to improve skills and become job ready. It also provides a great opportunity for us to showcase Saskatoon."

"The Skills Canada Saskatchewan Committee is confident that the 2007 national competitions will be the finest ever organized," Elliott said. "Approximately 1,500 competitors, instructors, coaches and family members are expected to participate. The Saskatchewan bid committee made a lot of valuable contacts when preparing the national event bid. We have commitments from educators, community groups, volunteers, sponsors and funding partners."

Skills Canada is a national not-for-profit organization devoted to addressing the workforce skills gap by encouraging young Canadians to consider trade and technology careers and promoting the importance of job ready skills.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jacquie McLean Learning Regina Phone: (306)787-5609 Cell: (306)535-2261