IMPACT REPORT2016-2017

Contents 3 About Us 4 Board of Directors 5 President’s Message 6 In-Class Presentations & Essential Skills 7 Disability Services 8 Skilled Futures 10 Alumni Profile: Justin Thornhill 11 Alumni Profile: Brandon McCarthy 12 WorldSkills Abu Dhabi 14 Partnerships 16 Nova Scotia Skills Competition 18 Skills Canada National Competition 20 Looking Ahead 22 Alumni Profile: Ashley Waye 23 Alumni Profile: Zach Walsh 24 Skills Excellence Awards 25 Volunteer of the Year Award

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About UsSkills Canada – Nova Scotia (SCNS) is a not-for-profit organization that provides Nova Scotian youth with opportunities to explore skilled trades and technologies through a range of programming. This is made possible by partnerships with industry, government, labour, and education. Our signature event is the annual Nova Scotia Skills Competition.

SCNS is affiliated nationally with Skills/Compétences Canada and is associated with WorldSkills International.

Our Staff

[Photo from left to right] Robin Lorway, Disability Services Manager; Courtney Gouthro, Executive Director; Laura King, Project Manager; Shannon Campbell, Marketing and Communications Manager; Julie Morine, Competition Coordinator; Janine King, Event Associate; Brennan Laite, Partnership Coordinator.

Our Mission

We provide opportunities for Nova Scotian youth to explore skilled trades and technologies, discover their passions, and strive for excellence.

Our Vision

Nova Scotians have the skills to succeed.

Our Values

• Accountability • Continuous learning • Collaboration • Excellence • Inclusion • Safety• Integrity

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“ I got to meet lots of great people and do something I love, plus I gained valuable experience and skills for my career.” – 2017 SCNC Competitor

SCNS’s Board of Directors is made up of individuals connected to skilled trades and technologies through industry, education, and government.

Board of Directors

Officers

Luke Young, PresidentLucas Technology and Analytics

Ashley DeLong, Vice President Nova Scotia Community College

Trent Soholt, Secretary / Treasurer Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council

Directors

Keith Gelhorn ADDvocacy ADHD & Life Skills Coaching Ltd.

Neil MacDonaldStrait Regional School Board

Blair Mikkelsen IBEW Local 625 JATC

Calum MacLeodNova Scotia Construction Labour Relations Association

Aaron HebbSherwin Williams

Vanessa MarguerattNova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency

Directors Continued

Jeff NashM&R Engineering

Shannon TritesAutomotive Sector Council of Nova Scotia

Kevin O’HalloranNova Scotia Community College

Tracey LearyWorkers’ Compensation Board

Lisa TilleyUprise Consulting

Heather CruickshanksLE Cruickshanks

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President’s MessageLuke Young, SCNS Board of Directors President

Skills Canada – Nova Scotia (SCNS) represents excellence and achievement in skilled trades and technologies. We connect industry and educators to students and apprentices. It’s through shared interests and interactive programs that we make an impact and help Nova Scotian youth discover what they’re passionate about.

One of our most notable highlights was having Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visit the Nova Scotia Skills Competition. During his visit, he spoke with competitors and reporters in the carpentry shop, outlining initiatives in the 2017 budget aimed at helping students find jobs.

In the past year, SCNS has continued to work toward our strategic goals, with a strong focus on diversity, partnerships, and alumni involvement:

Diversity: SCNS established a Diversity and Inclusion Committee to expand our outreach into various communities. We started the school year with our first Women In Skills Gala, fall 2016. This coincided with a Skilled Futures event for female secondary students. The gala was a collaboration between SCNS, Techspoloration, and Women Unlimited, and brought together female students and mentors for an evening to celebrate the achievements of women studying and working in skilled trades and technologies. This past May, two Disability Services participants competed in TaitajaPlus (Finland’s National competition) in cooking and scored the highest points in their category.

Partnerships: SCNS relies on Nova Scotian industry, government, and education. We aim to benefit our partners and our program

participants. This year we’ve increased partnership involvement in our programs and events. For example, Cape Breton University has provided a training facility and knowledgeable coaches for our 2017 robotics team to train for the Skills Canada National Competition, and UA Canada hosted our pipe trades competitions. In effort to achieve sustainable funding, we have also increased diversity in our partnerships.

Alumni involvement: Alumni involvement continues to grow and they are the greatest champions for the Skills Movement. Of 12 National medalists, 5 were alumni; one of which won gold (Zach Walsh, refrigeration & air conditioning). We also had 4 alumni selected by Skills Canada to join us in Winnipeg as Youth Forum and Alumni 150 representatives. SCNS alumni are involved in all facets of our organization as mentors, Provincial and National Technical Committee members, event volunteers, Board members, and advocates. Gearing up for our 20th anniversary, we continue to encourage our alumni to be involved with SCNS and help us celebrate this milestone.

As this year comes to an end, I look to the future of SCNS and I’m excited by the possibilities. With so many fresh ideas and fellowships, awareness of the Skills Movement gains momentum. I look forward to celebrating 20 years of the Nova Scotia Skills Competition in 2018, and hosting the Skills Canada National Competition in 2019. Thank you all. Together we are well on our way to ensuring Nova Scotians have the skills to succeed.

Disability Services InitiativeCelebrating and fostering the skills of Nova Scotians with disabilities

Disability Services provides persons with disabilities across the province the opportunity to explore skilled trades and technologies, and learn about workplace skills. In addition to ensuring all SCNS programs are accessible, Disability Services provides workshops specifically for persons with disabilities. Last year, 536 students with disabilities participated in SCNS programs.

The 2016-17 workshops included cake decorating, photography, and the Essential Skills Challenge.

Essential Skills InitiativeThe building blocks for a successful career

The nine Essential Skills are the foundation for all skilled trades and technologies. Reading text, oral communication, numeracy, digital, writing, continuous learning, document use, thinking, and working with others are skills required in any workplace and in everyday life. Through our Essential Skills Challenge, we teach students about the importance of these skills, and then put them to the test.

Students work together in teams to complete tasks such as putting together an electrical circuit, or solving a series of math questions to open a combination lock. This one hour activity is 100% hands-on and a great introduction to the importance of these skills.

During the 2016-17 school year, the Essential Skills Challenge was presented 94 times to 1,838 students, including over 300 students with disabilities.

“(The Essential Skills Challenge)… gave clients a better understanding of the skills they possess and how to identify these skills to future employers through resume writing and job interviews.”Jake - DASC

“We will definitely have you in again to speak with our students. Great information and a great presentation.” Paula - APSEA

In-Class Presentations Providing information to Nova Scotian youth about skilled trades and technologies

In-class presentations continue to be one of SCNS’s most effective tools for promoting skilled trades and technologies to Nova Scotian youth. These presentations provide students with information about careers in skilled trades and technologies, youth apprenticeship, labour markets, SCNS programs, and how to get involved.

Presentations also allow us to gauge students’ perceptions of skilled trades and technologies, which we use to shape our promotional strategies and programming. Last year, we offered 122 presentations at 55 schools throughout the province – we reached 2,923 students in total!

2017 student evaluation comments:

“10/10 I want you to come back!!!”

“I’ve opened up to trades/technologies and I’ve learned a lot about them.”

“That presentation was AWESOME.”

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Skilled Futures Encouraging Nova Scotian youth to explore skilled trades and technologies through hands-on workshops

SCNS’s Skilled Futures series is a collection of one-day career exploration events offering junior and senior high school students the opportunity to work with industry mentors and participate in interactive workshops. The Skilled Futures series is held from November to May at training facilities across the province; surrounding school boards are invited to attend.

There are five types of Skilled Futures events:

Skilled Futures in Technology introduces students to career opportunities available using emerging and innovative technologies.

Skilled Futures in Trades & Tech introduces students to career opportunities available in a variety of skilled trades and technologies.

Skilled Futures in Energy introduces students to career opportunities available in Nova Scotia’s energy sector.

Skilled Futures in Oceans introduces students to career opportunities available in Nova Scotia’s oceans sector.

Skilled Futures for Women introduces female students to career opportunities available in skilled trades and technologies.

This past year SCNS hosted eight Skilled Futures events, reaching 611 students from 91 junior and senior high schools from across Nova Scotia.

The Skilled Futures series would not be possible without the generous support of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, Nova Scotia Community College, Nova Scotia Department of Energy, Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Digital Nova Scotia, Shell Canada, Nova Scotia Business Inc., Acadia University, Women in Science and Engineering Atlantic and the many industry facilitators who volunteered their time.

“I loved this event; I learned so many things today!” - Bible Hill Junior High student

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of students say they will consider a skilled trade or technology career after attending a Skilled Futures event, a 38% increase compared to before attending.

83%

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Alumni Profile: Justin ThornhillCompetition: Carpentry, secondary

Justin Thornhill’s first trip to the Skills Canada National Competition was to compete in job skill demonstration in Moncton in 2016. While happy with his per-formance, he knew he wanted to come back again to compete in his true passion - carpentry, which is exactly what he did.

“Seeing the event in Moncton prepared me for the atmosphere of the competition so I wasn’t overwhelmed with how big it is and how serious all the competitors are,” said Justin. He knew what to prepare for, and trained extensively before heading out to Winnipeg as part of Team Nova Scotia.

“The atmosphere at the national competition is intense. Everyone there already has a gold medal from their provincial competition and is very serious about wanting to win,” said Justin. To prepare for this intensity, Justin built the test project three times and had the drawing memorized before going into the competition.

During the closing ceremonies in Winnipeg, Justin was feeling exhausted and didn’t think he’d be getting a medal. “It doesn’t matter how confident you are, you spend that time telling yourself about all the mistakes you made. You just want them to get it over with so you can stop stressing about how you did.” Justin’s stress proved to be for nothing as his name was called for the silver medal.

The silver medal was the icing on the cake for Justin’s Skills experience. He also applied for and succeeded in winning his school $10,000 worth of DeWalt tools through their Tool Enhancement Program. The tools, used throughout both the secondary and post-secondary carpentry competitions were donated to Eastern Shore District High School in May. To top it off, Justin was awarded one of the Mike Holmes Foundation scholarships to help with his first year at NSCC.

Alumni Profile: Brandon McCarthyCompetition: CNC Machining, post secondary

Brandon became involved with SCNS after being encouraged by his instructor, Andrew Morash. “He suggested I explore the opportunity to showcase my talents and compete at the provincial level. I thought, what do I have to lose?”

Brandon won gold in CNC machining at the Nova Scotia Skills Competition, giving him the opportunity to compete at the Skills Canada National Competition in Winnipeg, MB. “Winning gold at the Nova Scotia Skills Competition allowed me to showcase my skills on the national stage, and compete with the best across the country.”

After two days of intense competition, he became a national silver medalist at the Skills Canada National Competition. “I was shocked when my name was called as the silver medal winner. I was competing with the best in Canada.”

SCNS partner, Techtronics Machine Works (TMW) sponsored Brandon to compete at the national level. Soon after Brandon returned home from the Competition, he was offered a job and now works as an apprentice at TMW. “The biggest benefit to us is that we get to help the next generation of machinists, and hopefully some truly capable tradespeople are the result,” Sean MacPhee, President of TMW.

Brandon’s performance not only earned him a spot on the podium in Winnipeg and a full-time positon at TMW, but he also received a $3,000 scholarship courtesy of the Gene Haas Foundation.

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Showcasing the talents of skilled tradespeople and technologists on the world stage, and providing them with the opportunity to strive for excellence at the international level

Aaron and Ryan have been advocates for the Skills Movement since their student days at NSCC. Aaron Hebb, WorldSkills London bronze medalist in car painting (2011), and Ryan Leedham, WorldSkills Sao Paulo silver medalist in aerospace technology (2015), have dedicated time, knowledge, and experience to youth across the globe.

Aaron will return to WorldSkills, representing Canada as an Expert in the car painting competition area. His expertise will be sought after by international competitors from countries all over the world.

This year, WorldSkills Abu Dhabi has introduced the International Technical Vocational Education and Training Youth Forum to the schedule and have asked Ryan to participate. As a group, Ryan and a handful of other WorldSkills alumni will work to develop ideas and research in key areas, from innovation and the environment, to happiness and tolerance.

WorldSkills Abu Dhabi TaitajaPLUSInternational Competition: Culinary

Spinach soup, rainbow trout, and a rye-crusted bilberry pie were all part of the traditional Finnish cuisine that Ricky Mailloux and Liam Crane perfected to compete in TaitajaPLUS, the national Finnish skills competition for persons with disabilities. Putting a modern-Canadian spin on this traditional food was what put Ricky and Liam over the edge for the judges at the competition, where they received top marks with a score of 91.33%.

For Ricky Mailloux, this was his second international competition. Ricky has Attention Deficit Disorder, but in the kitchen, he is able to remain focused and produces some amazing food. “My skills have improved so much through my training (with NSCC faculty member Sean Kettley). I have confidence in my abilities, and I’m ready to take on new challenges.”

“Too often people focus on the disability rather than the ability,” said Robin Lorway, Disability Services Manager at SCNS. “A competition like this allows our competitors to put their talent on display.”

Over 500 competitors and 80,000 exhibitors and visitors attended TaitajaPLUS. The annual competition promotes vocational education, improves connection to entrepreneurs and companies, increases international relations, and encourages awareness about the quality and development of professional skills.

Partners SCNS would not be possible without the generous and longstanding support of our partners; made up from government, education and industry. Our partners are diverse, coming from sectors within skilled trades, technologies, labour and educational institutions.

We truly value our partnerships, and are always opened to discussing ways to increase engagement with our partners. Our partnerships ensure stability for our organization and for the future of skilled trades and technologies in Nova Scotia.

Thank you to our Presenting, Gold, Silver and Bronze level partners, and our many supporters for a banner year at SCNS!

Want to become a partner of SCNS? Here’s how you can offer your support: • Event sponsorship • Sponsorship of Team Nova Scotia competitors • Material donation (in-kind) • Volunteering • Monetary donation

Bronze

Acadia UniversityApplied Industrial TechnologiesBird ConstructionBlack & McDonaldCanadian Coast Guard College Cape Breton University (CBU) CNCoast Tire & Auto ServiceConstruction Association of Nova ScotiaThe Eddy GroupEncana CorporationExxonMobil Canada EnergyFix Auto Atlantic Graybar CanadaHDC Hair & Esthetics School of CosmetologyThe Home Depot – Halifax & SydneyICONIC CNCIBEW Local 1852IBEW Local 1928Kent Building Supplies – Halifax L.E. Cruickshanks Sheet MetalMcCordick - A Bunzl CompanyMemorial Composite High SchoolNova Scotia Business Inc. Nova Scotia Home Builders’ AssociationO’Regan’s Automotive GroupRAE Industrial ElectronicsRONARussel MetalsThe Shaw Group (Shaw Brick) Strait Regional School Board

Bronze

StudicaSummer Plumbing Supply / EMCO DartmouthTechtronics Machine Works / Velocity Machining & WeldingTechNova UA Local 56

Supporters

Acadia Refrigeration & Air ConditioningAce Plumbing & HeatingCentral Home ImprovementComputers for Schools Construction Safety Nova ScotiaCrane SupplyCSN Keizer’s Collision and Automotive CenterCTH InstrumentsDown to Earth Gardening and LandscapingExpert Electric & AlarmFESTO FLOCORFraser’s Pro Home CentreHeather Homes Ltd.Jentronics Landscape Nova ScotiaKeystone Automotive (LKQ Corporation)Maritime Beauty SupplyMaynard-Reece Engineering Equipment McDonald’s - Port HawkesburyMcLoughlan SuppliesMetals ‘R’ Us

Supporters

Mill Supply Mulgrave Machine WorksNortheast Equipment NTN Nova Scotia PowerNuStar Energy L.P. (NuStar Terminals Canada Partnership)Parts For TrucksPayzant Home Hardware Building CentrePrincess Auto – Dartmouth Stellar Industrial SalesTim Hortons- Pleasant St, DartmouthTyco Integrated Fire & SecurityWESCO Wolseley Plumbing & HVACR

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Presenting

Gold

Silver

Nova ScotiaConstruction Sector CouncilIndustrial ~ Commercial ~ Institutional

Providing opportunities for Nova Scotia’s youth to explore skilled trades and technologies, enhance their skills, and strive for excellence in their chosen field.

This year’s Nova Scotia Skills Competition was particularly special as we were honoured to have Prime Minister Justin Trudeau visit the Competition held at the NSCC Waterfront Campus. During his visit, Prime Minister Trudeau tried his hand at a carpentry activity and met some of the competitors. It was a thrilling way to cap off a successful Competition season!

The Nova Scotia Skills Competition is our largest annual event, bringing together students and apprentices from across Nova Scotia to compete in their chosen skilled trade or technology. This year, close to 300 students and apprentices competed in over 40 skilled trade and technology contest areas. In addition, approximately 1,200 students from surrounding school boards toured the event.

Bronze, silver and gold medals are awarded to top competitors and most gold medalists advanced to the Skills Canada National Competition as members of Team Nova Scotia, where they competed against their peers from across the country.

The Nova Scotia Skills Competition is a coordinated effort between SCNS staff, volunteers and partners.

Nova Scotia Skills Competition Competitions

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2D Character Computer Animation

Aerospace Technology

Aesthetics

Architectural Technology & Design

Automation and Control

Automotive Service

Baking

Brick Masonry

Car Painting

Carpentry

CNC Machining

* CNC Woodworking

Cooking

Electrical Installations

Electronics

Graphic Design

Hairstyling

Heavy Equipment Service

Industrial Mechanic Millwright

IT Office Software Applications

Job Search

Job Skill Demonstration

* Landscape Gardening

Mechanical CADD

Mechatronics

Photography

Plumbing

Precision Machining

Public Speaking

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning

Robotics

* Sheet Metal Work

Steamfitter – Pipefitter

Sprinkler Systems

Video Production

Welding

Workplace Safety

* May be added or reintroduced as contest areas.

of competitors would recommend competing in the Nova Scotia Skills Competition to someone else

96% of students touring the Nova Scotia Skills Competition and Career Showcase said they would recommend this event to other students

97%

Skills Canada National Competition Showcasing Nova Scotia’s up-and-coming skilled tradespeople and technologists at the national level, providing them with the opportunity to improve their skills and jump-start their careers

In May, 41 talented Nova Scotian competitors – along with 32 coaches, delegates and staff, boarded a plane to Winnipeg, MB to attend the Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC). This event is the only multi-trade and technology competition of its kind in Canada, bringing together top students and apprentices from all 10 provinces and 3 territories to showcase their skills during two intense days of competition.

This year we’re proud to announce that Team Nova Scotia brought home 1 gold, 3 silver and 8 bronze medals for a total of 12 medals in 11 contest areas.

We were also the recipients of the coveted TEAM SPIRIT AWARD; with our high energy and strong social media presence, our team spirit shone through loud and proud.

The 2018 Skills Canada National Competition will be held in Edmonton, AB on June 4-5th. This event will serve as a qualifying event for the 2019 WorldSkills Competition, being held in Kuzan, Russia.

National Medalists (S)= secondary, (PS)= post-secondary level competition

GoldZachary Walsh – Refrigeration & Air Conditioning (PS)

SilverBrandon McCarthy – CNC Machining (PS)Kyle Oickle – Mechanical CADD (PS)Justin Thornhill – Carpentry (S)

BronzeBrendan Ashworth – Plumbing (PS)Zoë Bartel – Baking (S) Diana Davidson & Calum MacRae – Landscape Gardening (PS)Luke Jackson – Cabinetmaking (PS)Marina Turbide – Job Search (PS)Ashley Waye – Hairstyling (PS)Kyla Welton – Cooking (PS)

Best in Region AwardAshley Waye – Hairstyling (PS)

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Alumni Profile: Ashley WayeCompetition: Hairstyling, post secondary

“The first year I competed, I did so for the learning experience,” recalls Ashley Waye. “I knew that preparing for the competition would go beyond what we had learned so far in the program, but I was interested in learning new techniques and challenging myself, so I signed up.”

Ashley finished at the bottom of the pack, but was proud to compete against her more experienced peers. She was determined to come back the following year to prove to herself that she could do better.

Ashley received the gold medal at the 2017 Nova Scotia Skills Competition, proving not only that she could do better, but also securing a spot to compete against the best in the country at the Skills Canada National Competition in Winnipeg, MB in June.

Ashley, along with her coach Bonnie Williams, trained hard in the months leading up to Nationals. She made multiple trips to and from Yarmouth to train with Bonnie, practicing on several mannequin heads.

When Ashley heard her name called for a bronze medal and then again for the Best of Region award, she was completely shocked. “It was unreal! I’ve never been so proud of myself. It was definitely one of the best experiences of my life.”

Ashley is now working full time in her field and loving every minute of it. “It truly doesn’t feel like a job to me, because I genuinely love going there every day. The opportunity to meet new people and make them feel amazing makes me happy. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Alumni Profile: Zach Walsh Competition: Refrigeration, post secondary

When Zach Walsh found out he finished fifth in refrigeration and air conditioning during the 2015 Skills Canada National Competition in Moncton, he didn’t get discouraged. Instead, he found himself motivated to come back again so that he could walk away with a medal – and that’s just what he did!

After competing the first time, Zach had learned a lot and was able to put that knowledge to use. “I knew what to expect at the National level: the judging, pace, atmosphere, etc. It kept me more relaxed leading up to the competition, and had a great impact on the results.”

Zach’s introduction to refrigeration and air conditioning came when he was in high school. He always knew he wanted to do a hands-on trade, but wasn’t sure which one he’d like the best. After spending a few summers during high school working at a company owned by a friend’s family, he knew that it was the career for him.

He enrolled in NSCC in 2015, and it wasn’t long before his instructors saw his talent and were encouraging him to compete in the Skills Competition. “It sounded like it would be a lot of fun and a good test for myself, so I decided to do it,” says Zach. “I highly recommend that anyone in the skilled trades and technologies compete because you never know what it could lead to.”

For Zach, it lead to the top of the podium in 2017. “I was completely shocked. It’s an incredible feeling knowing that I am now a national champion.”

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Skills Excellence Awards Volunteer of the YearOur annual recognition and celebration event where we recognize and give thanks to our partners and volunteers, celebrate competitor achievements and highlight our successes from the past year

The 2016 Skills Excellence Awards were held on December 9, 2016 at the Westin Nova Scotian Hotel in Halifax, NS.

There was a lot to celebrate from the past year, including 10 medals from the Skills Canada National Competition, and the success of the competitors who attended the International Abilympics and won 3 silver medals. Team NS alumnus Joey Hawkins spoke about the impact SCNS had on his life, making him more confident in starting his own business – Skilled Masons and Restoration.

The event also included a silent auction to raise funds for the Robert Sampson Memorial bursary to help support the 2017 plumbing competitor on Team NS. The highlight of the auction was a gorgeous gingerbread house made by Team NS alumna, Zoë Bartel.

Awarded annually, the Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond in helping our organization support Nova Scotian youth

The 2016 recipient was Dale Crawford, board member of SCNS, and Director of Partnership and Innovation with the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency.

Dale was an extremely active member of the Board of Directors before he stepped down at the end of his term in 2016. In addition to helping maintain the strong relationship between SCNS and the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, Dale played an active role in setting the strategic direction of our organization.

During the Nova Scotia Skills Competition, Dale was always there to help the staff with whatever was needed. He even travelled to Moncton to volunteer for the Skills Canada National Competition, helping welcome over 5000 visitors to the event. His efforts on our committees and Board will have lasting impact for the organization.

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Looking AheadCourtney Gouthro, Executive Director

The 2016–2017 year at Skills Canada – Nova Scotia (SCNS) presented new opportunities, challenges, and exciting avenues of growth for the organization. From high demand for our programming, to a successful bid to host the Skills Canada National Competition, topped off with a visit from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to the Nova Scotia Skills Competition – we accomplished quite a bit in a year. Looking ahead, SCNS is eager to continue to build upon this momentum.

2018 will mark the 20th anniversary for SCNS and the Nova Scotia Skills Competition. The organization has seen tremendous growth in 20 years, and the anticipation to see where the future takes us is ever growing. SCNS plans to introduce dynamic new ways to celebrate and engage our stakeholders - including students, educators, and industry - as we celebrate the organization’s 20th anniversary.

SCNS is delighted to have funding confirmed to expand upon the delivery of the Essential Skills Challenges in junior and senior high schools across Nova Scotia. Numeracy, communication, working with others, digital, oral communication, document use, thinking, reading and writing, are skills that industry, education, and government continue to identify as transferable to career development, and necessary for personal and professional success and growth.

In the fall of 2016, we were delighted to receive approval of our bid to host the 2019 Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) in Halifax. The SCNC is the only national, multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices in the country. Halifax Exhibition Center will host the two-day Competition, welcoming over 550 competitors from across Canada, and over 5000 Nova Scotian students to tour through the Competitions. The SCNC is an incredible opportunity for students and members of the public to learn about the vast array of viable career options in skilled trades and technologies. In 2017–2018, SCNS will begin collaborating with Skills/Compétences Canada to initiate the extensive planning required to successfully host this event.

Partnerships with industry, government, and education are key to hosting any event and making SCNS programming possible. In the 2016–2017 fiscal, SCNS was fortunate to see growth in our partnerships and new levels of engagement in our programming from many of our partners. SCNS is eager to engage more industry contacts in our programming – connecting youth to their potential future employers.

As SCNS approaches its 20th anniversary and we embark on the planning to host the Skills Canada National Competition in 2019, I have no doubt that we are in for a busy and exciting year. SCNS remains committed to providing youth with a vast array of opportunities to explore careers in skilled trades and technologies, discover their passions, and strive for excellence.

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Women in Skills GalaThis past year SCNS hosted the first ever Women in Skills Gala, in collaboration with Women’s Unlimited and Techsploration at the Membertou Convention Centre in Cape Breton, NS.

The evening of celebration and mentorship brought together 117 students, teachers, parents, industry representatives and alumni from the three organizations.

The event featured a spoken word performance by the talented Rebecca Thomas, Halifax Regional Municipality’s first Mi’kmaq Poet Laureate and a panel discussion about the realities of being a female in a non-traditional skilled trade or technology. In addition, attendees tested their essential skills and bricklaying abilities, working together at their tables to build chimneys out of cookies and icing.

This evening could not have been possible without the continued support of the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency, Nova Scotia Community College and the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

Skills Canada – Nova Scotia

Phone: (902) 491-4640

Fax: (902) 428-0112

Email: info@skillsns.ca

www.skillsns.ca