ST. JOHN’S, NL – If you have ever considered a career in skilled trades and technology and wanted to learn more, there’s a week for that.
November 6-12, 2017 is dedicated to raising awareness and providing opportunities for youth to learn about the numerous careers that exist in skilled trades and technology fields in Canada. Throughout this week, Skills Canada provincial organizations, including the one in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), will deliver programs and activities to youth, students and apprentices in every region of the country.
CNA has been involved in Skills Canada competitions on provincial, national and international levels for a number of years. It is here that students are able to showcase their abilities when it comes to trades and technology, and they are able to get hands-on experience for making trades and technology a viable option for career choices.
Chris Patey, CNA’s Dean of Industrial Trades, says it is great to see how this week reflects the college’s and students’ involvement.
“This is testimony of the commitment they have to their respective programs,” he said. “We see how many hours these students put into their projects and programs, and it is certainly rewarding for us at CNA to see how involved the staff and faculty to support these students’ success. This week serves to highlight how trades and technology remains important to our economy.”
A highlight of the week will take place Tuesday, November 7 from noon to 1 p.m. at CNA’s Prince Philip Drive campus’ Bistro. Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador representatives will present banners to CNA’s 2017 national medal winners from the competition which took place in Winnipeg, Manitoba this past June.
Among the list of banner recipients/medal winners are:
Prince Philip Drive campus
Gold: Clint Gould – IT Office Software Applications
Silver: Anthony Leonard – IT Network System Administration
Bronze: Michaela Benoit – Graphic Design
Ridge Road campus
Gold: Sarah Kennedy – Architectural Technology & Design
Placentia campus
Gold: Simon Ernst – Precision Machining (Best-in-region overall competition score)
For Craig White, Skills Canada NL president, National Skilled Trades and Technology Week is a week dedicated to informing youth about the viable options available in the skilled sector and providing them with the opportunity to explore these careers first-hand.
“Throughout this exciting week, students across Newfoundland and Labrador will participate in a variety of events and programs which will allow them to explore the ample career opportunities available in the skilled trade and technology sector.”
Skills/Compétences Canada National President, John Oates, added, “Skilled careers are of vital importance for Canada’s future economic stability and it’s standing in the global marketplace. And it’s important that Canadian youth are informed about the many interesting and lucrative opportunities available in this sector. During National Skilled Trades and Technology Week, students from across Canada will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities which highlight these rewarding careers.”
The week also enables Skill Canada to work with post-secondary institutions like CNA to focus on how vibrant the skilled trades and technology sector is in the province.
“Throughout National Skilled Trades and Technology Week 2017, Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador will deliver a variety of programs and events to students and apprentices across the province,” said Skills Canada NL Executive Director, Carole Ann Ryan. “We are thrilled to work closely with College of the North Atlantic to celebrate the success and work of skilled tradespeople and technologists in our community and country.”
Throughout this week, CNA will present a series of articles featuring previous CNA Skills Canada medal winners, including Myles Burry, Justin Bennett, Becki Peckham and Brandon Drover.
The provincial Skills Canada competition is slated for March 23, 2018 at CNA’s Prince Philip Drive campus.
-30-
Media contacts:
Michelle Jesso
Communications Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
709-643-7721
michelle.jesso@cna.nl.ca
Carole Ann Ryan
Executive director
Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador
709-739-4172
caryan@skillscanada.com