News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Thirty-three student competitors from across New Brunswick showcased their skills on the national stage at the 2015 Skills Canada Competition in Saskatoon, Sask., from May 27 to 30.

“Our government is proud of the accomplishments of all 33 winners from the New Brunswick competitions, and we congratulate the four medal earners at the national level on a job well done,” said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Francine Landry. “The competition provides exciting opportunities for students to learn about many promising career paths available in New Brunswick in the skilled trades and technology sectors.”

The competitors were chosen from high schools, college pre-employment programs and apprenticeships registered with the Apprenticeship and Occupational Certifications branch of the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour.

The New Brunswick medalists from the Skills Canada National Competition are: Taylor Welch (Silver Medal - Electrical Installations, apprenticeship, Woodstock), Chanel Brideau (Silver Medal –Workplace Safety, Polyvalente W.-A.-Losier, Tracadie-Sheila), Jessica Rutherford (Bronze Medal – Atlantic Hairstyling and Aesthetics, Fredericton) and Cory Benson (Silver Medal – Web Site Development, NBCC Saint John).

“It is unbelievable to see the level of knowledge and skill these young competitors have shown through their performances at the various provincial events,” said Luc Morin, executive director for Skills Canada NB. “The dedication and level of support from the teachers, instructors and various educational staff across the province are the big reasons for their involvement. We hope to continue seeing more young New Brunswickers pursue these rewarding trade and technology careers right here in our province.”

Since 1994, Skills Canada National Competition has held the only national, Olympic-style, multi-trade and technology competition for young students and apprentices, which provides competitors with hands-on work experience and raises awareness for the general population of the value of skilled trades and technology careers.

New Brunswick will host the 22nd Skills Canada National Competition in Moncton next year. This will be the first time that the national skills competition has occurred in the province.

More information on the competitions and events is available online.