Government of Canada supports youth in skilled trades

CALGARY, ALBERTA, September 2, 2009—The Government of Canada is taking action to help foster the development of the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world by supporting young Canadians in the skilled trades.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, made the announcement during the opening of Canada House at the 40th WorldSkills Competition in Calgary, Alberta, earlier today.

“Our government is investing in Canada’s young people,” said Minister Finley. “As we prepare for the economy to recover, we are helping youth develop the skills, knowledge and experience they need to prepare for and succeed in tomorrow’s job market.”

With employers in communities across Canada and around the world looking for the best skills and talent, skills training is one of the best investments a country can make.

“Our country has a proud history, and thanks to the hard work and dedication of our skilled tradespeople, a great future,” said Mike Holmes, ‘Canada’s most trusted contractor’ and honourary spokesperson for WorldSkills Calgary 2009. “I’m proud of these young people, and their passion and commitment to ‘make it right.’ I look forward to seeing how well they all do in the WorldSkills Competition this year.”

“I invite everyone to come down to Canada House to learn more about the skilled trades and how they contribute to our communities,” said Minister Finley. “You can also get more information on Government of Canada programs that support youth and skills training.”

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government is investing up to $40 million per year in the new Apprenticeship Completion Grant. It is a $2,000 grant to those who successfully complete their apprenticeship training and become certified journeypersons in a designated Red Seal trade.

During the opening of Canada House, Minister Finley presented the first Apprenticeship Completion Grant cheque in Alberta to Ward Webber, a former competitor at the Canadian Skills Competition who started his own cabinetmaking and custom furniture business.

The Government of Canada has also been offering the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for several years, which encourages Canadians to pursue their apprenticeship training.

In addition, the Government recently implemented significant improvements to student financial assistance measures to help students gain access to post‑secondary education and better manage their debt. To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

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This news release is available in alternative formats upon request.

For further information (media only):

Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559

Backgrounder

The 40th WorldSkills Competition in Calgary, Alberta, showcases the best young talent from around the world in the trades, technologies and service industries.
From September 1 to 7, 2009, 900 participants representing more than 50 countries/regions will compete in 45 skilled trades and technology categories ranging from welding to cooking, auto body repair to landscape gardening, and plumbing to Web design. Team Canada’s 38 members will be competing in 35 contest areas at this prestigious international event.

The Government of Canada is a major funding partner of the 40th WorldSkills Competition. This funding is delivered through agreements with the host committee, WorldSkills Calgary 2009, and Skills/Compétences Canada, which is a non-profit organization that works with employers, educators, labour groups and governments to promote skilled trades and technology careers among Canadian youth year‑round.

Canada House features interactive, educational and fun displays that profile five skilled trades and technology sectors: technology, manufacturing, construction, service/hospitality and transportation. These displays demonstrate the value of skilled trades and technologies and how they impact our daily lives.