2013 Ontario Technological Skills Competition Results & Message From Premier
Submitted by: Skills Canada-Ontario
KITCHENER, ON – At the closing ceremonies of the Ontario Technological Skills Competition, students from all over Ontario were glued to their seats as Premier Kathleen Wynne spoke about how Ontario’s youth will shape the future of our economy.
“You’re showing us what you can do with robotics, with carpentry and auto body work and team building. And no matter what specific skills you’re demonstrating, or where you place in the competition, I want you to know one thing: you can already do things that most people my age cannot have a hope of doing,” she said at the event, which took place on Wednesday May 8 in Waterloo,ON. She was joined by John Milloy, Minister of Government Services Commissioner, Board of Internal Economy and Government House Leader.
Video of Premier Wynne speaking at the OTSC Closing Ceremonies-
The two‐day competition just completed its 24th year. Run by Skills Canada –Ontario, it encourages secondary and post‐secondary students to enter into the skilled trades; a job market that is expected to face dire shortages within the next 10 years.
With students diagnosing and repairing vehicles in the Auto Service Technology competition, nestling bricks into their cement bedsin the Brick Masonry competition, and showing their white balance, framing and editing skills in TV and Video Production competition,the event featured 63 contest areas and approximately 1,900 competitors from secondary schools and post‐secondary schools across Ontario. As Brad Duguid, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities toured the event, students competed in their chosen trade for the chance at a gold medal; many winners were honoured with a monetary award and the chance to head to the National Competition, to be held in Vancouver this week (from June 5 to 8).
Swelling with approximately 20,000 visitors from across Ontario, the contests were held at RIM Park and Manulife Sportsplex on May 6 and 7, and pumped approximately $3.5million into the local economy. Skills Canada –Ontario is a not‐for‐profit organization dedicated to promoting the skilled trades and technologies as viable,first‐choice career options for Ontario youth.
