In early September the buzz around Calgary centred on WorldSkills 2009. WorldSkills is an international competition in skilled trades and technology. The event featured the Best of the Best from the Global Community in such varied fields as fashion design and hair dressing, automotive painting and repair, plumbing and air conditioning, and robotics. They entire city made accommodations for hosting this competition and showcase with exciting opening ceremonies, fireworks displays, and special events throughout the city.  Both school boards even began the school year early to give our city students the opportunity to visit and experience firsthand, the importance of skilled trades and technologies.

TOWES was privileged to be able to participate in this international opportunity by hosting a booth in the Global Skills Village. We were in great company; our neighbours included Bow Valley College industry leaders, professional trades associations, and international delegations.  The booth allowed us to connect with several groups who had not heard of TOWES and gave us the opportunity to spread our message of the importance of Essential Skills in building skilled labour for the future.  We spoke with many who are dedicated to being “front line” in making our Canadian workforce strong on the home front and in the global market. We also met people from around the world who see the value in exploring how other countries are engaged in productivity, safe workplaces, and employees who are capable of moving and changing with the times.

So thanks to all of our enthusiastic supporters who stopped by our booth to say hello! And welcome to all of our new contacts. We look forward to working with you all to continue to make Essential Skills a National and an International priority. And Congratulations to Team Canada who garnered 8 Medals and 12 Medallions of Excellence! Well Done Canada!

Photos by: A.Shannon

Skills Competition

TOWES Booth at WorldSkills 2009

Skills Competition