The next generation of skilled professionals are putting their talents on display today as they compete in the 27th Annual Skills Manitoba Competition. 

Approximately 500 young Manitobans will compete in over 40 Olympic-style hands-on contests at the secondary and post-secondary/apprentice level. It’s a showcase of skills in robotics and manufacturing, 3D character computer animation, construction trades, hairstyling, and many more. 

Gold medal winners of many of the competitions will form Team Manitoba and advance to the Skills Canada National Competition in Regina, Saskatchewan May 27-May 31, 2025 

Hosted by Skills Canada Manitoba, this event is designed to provide much needed awareness of Canada’s skilled workforce shortage, while encouraging young people to pursue a career in a trade they enjoy. 

“The skilled trades offer opportunities for positions with great pay, job security and flexibility. There is a continuing significant worker shortage in many of these areas,” said Maria Pacella, Executive Director of Skills Canada Manitoba, “Most people are unaware of the merits of post-secondary training in trades and technology and competitions like this allow students to explore their options and see where something that started as a hobby can be a rewarding career.” 

Skills Canada Manitoba has hosted the annual competition at Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech)’s Notre Dame Campus for 26 years, and for high school competitors it is also an opportunity to meet instructors, see the shop and lab spaces and learn more about post-secondary options. 

“The Skills Manitoba competition is one of the most exciting and energizing days on campus every year,” said Fred Meier, President and CEO, RRC Polytech. “Our programs provide training for in-demand skills that allow our graduates to have a positive impact on our province’s economy and communities. It’s exciting to walk through the Skilled Trades and Technology Centre and see the incredible talent showcased by our students and competitors from both the high school and post-secondary levels. We’re always proud to watch our students compete, and to welcome the next generation of talent onto campus in hopes we will see them enrolled as students in the near future.” 

The 27^th annual competition will take place today, Thursday, April 10, 2025: 

9:00 am – 2:30 pm 
Red River College Polytechnic, 2055 Notre Dame Ave. 
Operations Room – A137 

Medal Presentations at 3:30 pm in the South Gym 

Annual Young Women’s Conference:
During the competition, 170 young women from junior highs in Manitoba will have the opportunity learn about career options in the trades and technology field at the Young Women’s Conference. Also hosted by Skills Canada Manitoba, this one-day event features entertaining and informative keynote speakers and team activities plus an opportunity to talk to mentors from employers such as Manitoba Hydro, CN and Birchwood. 

Media is invited to learn more about how these young women view their future career opportunities in the trades and technology field on: 

Thursday, April 10, 2025 
9:30 am- 2:30 pm 
Red River College Polytechnic, 2055 Notre Dame Ave. 
Voyageur Cafeteria 

For information contact:  
Maria Pacella, Executive Director 
Skills Canada Manitoba 
204-770-4287