Dylan Daly, a Grade 10 student at Bev Facey Community High and competitor at the provincial Skills Alberta welding competition.

Sherwood Park, AB. — On May 3 and 4, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) students are showing off their specialized prowess and hard-earned expertise at the annual Skills Alberta Competitions. These competitions promote excellence in trades and technology, allow students to discover career path opportunities and enhance the quality of technological education.

“I knew I wanted to be in the trades since I was young,” says Dylan Daly, a Grade 10 student at Bev Facey Community High. “I tried welding the summer before Grade 10 and I loved it.” Daly won second place at the regional Skills Alberta welding competition, earning a spot at the provincials.

Leah Fraser, a Grade 12 student at Bev Facey Community High, will also be competing at provincials in the senior high hairstyling event category. Meanwhile, Julia Tuckwood, a Grade 9 student at Sherwood Heights Junior High, will tackle the junior high culinary challenge.

“Skills Alberta Competitions feature a diverse range of trades and technologies,” says Kristin Oleksyn, a Career Pathways Supervisor at EIPS. “Students work incredibly hard to refine their craft, whether that’s in autobody repair, web design, or fashion technology—the list goes on and on. We’re continually amazed by what students accomplish.”

To reach provincials, students must first compete in a regional or qualifying Skills Canada Alberta competition—or be selected by their school for skill areas not offered in their region. “To participate in regionals and provincials takes a combination of highly motivated and committed students, many hours of practice, and the dedication of EIPS’ talented teachers coaching them to this level,” adds Oleksyn. “These students are the next generation of innovators and the future of Alberta’s skilled workforce. The competitions allow them to demonstrate their talent to industry leaders and highlight these highly skilled, important and rewarding career paths. Secondary and post-secondary education seem a little less daunting and a lot more exciting.”

Skills Alberta is part of a national association, Skills Canada, which has offices in each territory and province in Canada. In 1992, Skills Canada Alberta was established to equip young minds with the skills that will help Canada compete successfully in a drastically changing world market. This is accomplished through programming targeted at junior high, senior high and post-secondary students. Through Skills Alberta, students gain access to career resources, scholarships, references and more.

Gold medalists at the provincial competitions are rewarded with an invitation to join Team Alberta. Students can then showcase their skills at the Skills Canada National Competition, which is held in a different Canadian city every year.

“I’ll be competing against students with more experience than myself, so I feel accomplished and proud to have made it to provincials,” says Daly.

Students from all grade levels are also encouraged to attend a field trip to the Provincial Skills Competition’s Skill City, where they can participate in hands-on activities that allow them to explore a variety of trades and technologies. Teachers can register their class to attend at the Skills Alberta website.

Elk Island Public Schools is one of Alberta’s largest school divisions, serving approximately 17,460 students in 43 schools. We are proud to be an integral part of our communities, including Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Strathcona and Lamont counties, and the western portion of the County of Minburn.

RELATED INFORMATION:
Skills Alberta
Skills Canada Alberta

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For more information contact:
Laura McNabb, Director, Communication Services, EIPS 780-417-8204 cell 780-405-4902