Today, Red River College and Skills/Compétences Canada (SCC) launched the twelfth National Skilled Trades and Technology Week (NSTTW), to create awareness for students and educators of the range of career opportunities available in skilled trades and technologies across the country.

“Careers in the skilled trades and technologies are of vital importance for Canada’s future economic stability and its standing in the global marketplace,” said Shaun Thorson, SCC’s Chief Executive Officer. “It is important that Canadian youth are informed about the many interesting and lucrative opportunities that are available to them in these sectors. During National Skilled Trades and Technology Week, students from across Canada will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities that highlight these potential careers.”

The two organizations hosted the official NSTTW launch at RRC’s Notre Dame Campus, where the Hon. Ian Wishart, Minister of Education and Training, and HGTV’s Sherry Holmes (Holmes Make it Right) kicked things off with a table-building competition for those in attendance.

Following the official program, students from Winnipeg and area schools took part in other interactive Try-A-Trade® and Technology activities, including welding, industrial mechanics, millright, carpentry, workplace safety, autobody repair, information technology, hairstyling and esthetics.

SCC also took the opportunity to announce the 2017 Skills Canada National Competition will be hosted in Winnipeg from May 31 to June 3 at the RBC Convention Centre.

Throughout this year’s NSTTW, SCC’s provincial/territorial member organizations across the country will host a series of events to promote skilled trades and technology activities in Canada.

“Red River College has an essential role to play in growing our skilled workforce and driving our economy,” says Paul Vogt, President and CEO of Red River College. “Organizations like Skills Canada are vitally important because they showcase the countless opportunities that are available to youth and help open new doors to meaningful and rewarding careers.”

Also highlighted in the event was the importance of working with others, one of the nine Essential Skills identified as fundamental to entering the skilled trades and technology industries. For more information, visit the Essential Skills Webpage.

Shown above (from left): Paul Vogt, President and CEO, Red River College; Sherry Holmes, HGTV’s Holmes Makes It Right; Nina Widmer, RRC apprenticeship graduate; John Oates, President, Skills/Compétences Canada; Jean Bruyere, event emcee; Geoff Frodsham, CEO, Princess Auto.