Alberta government allocates $4 million for transportation to trades competition

Filed under Canada, Skilled Trades Shortage, Trade Organizations

The Alberta government is promising $4 million for the purpose of promoting the upcoming WorldSkills Calgary competition to high school students in that province. The money will be used for class trips and the like, for grades 9s and 10s. This funding is in addition to the $24 million the province has already promised in support of WorldSkills 2009, the largest international competition of any kind in Albert since the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.

At the announcement of the funding, Alberta Education Minister Dave Hancock said, “Alberta’s new economy will require a workforce with sound technical training, so we need to start inspiring students now to pursue advanced studies and careers in the trades and technical professions, and an exciting and international event like WorldSkills does just that.”

The province has also earmarked $391,000 to help organizers take their skills show on the road. This show will make presentations and displays at community events in the months leading up to WorldSkills 2009 in September.

The Department of Education has also sent a letter to all school districts requesting that boards consider starting the 2009 -2010 school year on Aug. 27. This should allow schools extra time needed to organize field trips to the competition.

“Having students exposed to an event at this level of quality, we’re hoping not only to open their eyes, but also open their minds to these great careers and lifestyles,” said Guy Mallabone, chairman of WorldSkills Calgary 2009.

Trade school world features massage therapy schools in Alberta, among various other trade schools.