Students in Maple Ridge showcase their talents in skilled trades and technologies in one of 13 regional Skills Canada British Columbia competition being held in communities across the province.
Maple Ridge MLAs Marc Dalton and Doug Bing attended a SkillsBC regional competition hosted at Westview secondary on Feb. 26, when they watched students compete in a variety of skills competitions.
Samuel Robertson Secondary will be hosting a SkillsBC regional competition on Saturday, March 5.
“It was great to watch young British Columbians interested in skilled trades and technology showcase their talents,” said Dalton. “I continue to be impressed by the passion these students show for a variety of fields, from creative arts and fashion to construction, manufacturing and engineering.”
“With a growing economy and a labour force comprised of many skilled workers nearing the age of retirement, it’s important we showcase career opportunities in skilled trades and technology to our youth,” said Bing.
Each year, SkillsBC, a provincial non-profit that promotes in-demand skilled trade and technology careers to B.C. students in grades 6 to 12, holds 13 regional and one provincial Olympic-style competition. Winners of the regional competitions advance to the Provincials where they have the chance of advancing to the national and/or WorldSkills competitions.
Approximately one million jobs are expected to open in British Columbia by 2024 due to retirements and economic growth, with an estimated eight out of ten of these jobs requiring post-secondary education or skilled trades training.
Since its creation 22 years ago, Skills BC has provided tens of thousands of B.C. students with opportunities to explore skilled trades and technology careers.