WorldSkills Calgary 2009 is sure to raise awareness of the importance of skilled professions and technologies in Canada and around the world.
WorldSkills Calgary 2009 will give Albertans the opportunity to see excellence in trades and technology skills lauded and to see how such skills are valued by employers around the world.
This spectacular event provides the ultimate demonstration of the skills, craftsmanship and ingenuity our competitors bring to the Canadian economy. Ultimately, WorldSkills Calgary 2009 will not be a true success if it doesn't serve as an inspiration to your students – encouraging them to consider an exciting and rewarding career in the skilled professions.
As host of the 40th WorldSkills Competition, WorldSkills Calgary 2009 is taking on the important task of nurturing skills development. And we can't think of a better place to do it.
Alberta. When it comes to skills, there's no comparison.
- The Province of Alberta is the trades and skills capital of Canada.
- Alberta trains 20% of Canada's apprentices while having only 10% of the nation's population. It
is a partnership between employers, the provincial government and Alberta's progressive
post-secondary educational institutions.
- Training programs in Alberta support over 50 designated trades and occupations.
- Alberta's apprenticeship and industry training system is an industry-driven system that reflects
the economic prosperity of the provincial economy.
- There are currently 70,000 registered apprentices in Alberta.
But we still need more.
Today, WorldSkills is more important than ever, as the country faces a number of critical challenges.
With an aging population and a wave of retirement approaching, Canada (like other member nations) is already experiencing a shortage of skilled workers. Ensuring that Canada has skilled tradespeople is essential to ensuring Canada's ability to maintain a strong economy in a global market.
As the need for skilled professionals grows, we understand the importance of promoting the positive aspects of a career in the skilled professions – and the need to overcome the stereotype that a university education is the only route to financial, personal and social success.
As an educator, we're looking to you to help make this event a success. Introduce the skilled professions to your students and let them see a future that they might not otherwise have considered. Let your students know: you are valued; you are needed; you can make a difference.
Take them to WorldSkills Calgary 2009.
