Holland College | Skills Canada teams up with college for open house
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Skills Canada teams up with college for open house

This year’s open house at Holland College centres across the province is even more dynamic than ever, with interactive displays and plenty of opportunities for visitors to ask questions about any of the college’s more than 65 programs. The event, which takes place November 5th, also celebrates National Skilled Trades Day with the participation of Skills Canada, the Department of Education, and the Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists of PEI in the various college centers. National Skilled Trades Day was declared last year in the House of Commons to raise the profile of skilled trade careers in Canada and each province/territory is hosting various events to promote these careers to students and youth.

Skills Canada is a national not-for-profit organization that works with employers, educators, labour groups and governments to promote skilled trades and technology careers among Canadian youth. One of the main activities of Skills Canada is the organization of provincial, regional and national competitions that provide an opportunity for secondary, post-secondary and apprentice students to compete in more than 40 trade and technology categories.

Holland College President Brian McMillan said the participation of Skills Canada in the open house enables students to gather more information about the many training and career options available to them.

“There are many exciting career opportunities available to young people today, and the demand for well trained, skilled workers is increasing. All of our programs are showcased today by our staff and students, and the collaboration with Skills Canada provides individuals with a particular interest in skilled trades and technologies with a unique opportunity for more in depth exploration," he said.

Dr. McMillan went on to say that Holland College is pleased to be partnering with Skills Canada and hopes that the event will assist individuals with their education and career planning.

Collin Affleck, President of Skills Canada PEI, said the Holland College's participation in National Skilled Trades Day provides a great opportunity for those interested in skilled trades to gain a better understanding of the options available.

“We are very pleased to have the opportunity to partner with Holland College for this, our second annual Skills Day on PEI. With the growing demand for skilled workers, we need to keep promoting these future job opportunities with our youth. Events such as this allow the youth of today better understand the various job opportunities available and the educational path required to achieve their goals.”

The Conference Board of Canada forecasts a shortage of approximately one million workers by 2020 due to the aging workforce and declining birth rates. In the next two decades, 40 per cent of all new jobs will be in the skilled trades and technologies, up from 20 per cent in 1998.

School tours have been scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the general public is welcome from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Groups or individuals unable to visit the college centres during the scheduled hours are encouraged to call 1-800-446-5265 to arrange a tour at a more convenient time.

For more information about this release, please contact:
Sara Underwood, Media and Communications Officer
Tel: 902-566-9695
Date: Thursday, November 01, 2007