A Manitoba delegation of 200 cheered “TOBA, TOBA” as 31 high school, college and young apprentices took to the podium claiming 10 gold, 11 silver and 6 bronze medals at the Olympic-style Skills Canada National Competition in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

“We are very proud of all 60 Team Manitoba participants and their performances at the 21st Skills Canada National Competition. Participants trained for months leading up to the Annual Skills Manitoba Competition (held at Red River College April 9, 2015 in Winnipeg, MB) to qualify for the opportunity to represent Manitoba at the Skills Canada National Competition,” stated Maria Pacella, Executive Director of Skills Canada Manitoba. From construction and manufacturing to technologies and service, 550 young students and apprentices from 13 provinces and territories were in Saskatoon competing in 46 different trades over 2 days.

“I wish to congratulate Team Manitoba on their medals at the Skills Canada National Competition and to also recognize our staff’s support,” said David Rew, President & CEO of Red River College. “Our college is committed to support skilled trades as not only the host site for the Annual Skills Manitoba Competition but on a national level with a large contingent of staff attending and supporting by judging, volunteering and contributing through the National Technical Committee.”

Skills Canada Manitoba, a member of Skills Compétences Canada, is a provincial not-for-profit organization that works in partnership with employers, educators, labour groups and governments to attract young Manitobans to careers in skilled trades and technology. ’ Our youth are an important part of our future and now more than ever, the need for highly skilled workers in a variety of occupations is crucial to our country’ said Maria Pacella. This event is an excellent opportunity for youth and their families to network and learn from private and public sector employers about skilled trades and emerging technologies.

Skills Canada Manitoba has recently won the bid to host the 2017 Skills National Competition. The event will take place in Winnipeg in spring of 2017 and provide Manitobans with an opportunity to look at career options in skilled trades and technology. The Skills Canada National Competition highlights skilled trades and technology careers in a competitive environment and reinforces their importance in building a strong and vibrant economy.