April 24, 2015

The South Eastern Partners for Youth Career Development (SEAPYCD) in conjunction with Medicine Hat College (MHC) invite you to attend the tenth annual South East Alberta Regional Skills Competition (SEASkills) and Trades and Technology Expo on Wednesday, April 29, 2015. The competition and tours start around 9:00 a.m. and go throughout the day with the awards ceremony occurring at 4:30 p.m. This event is free for anyone to attend.  

The expo will take place on MHC’s campus and is designed to provide students and the community an opportunity to learn about, and get hands-on experience with, trade and technology related careers.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to expose students and community members to the diverse career opportunities that are in demand in Alberta,” says Rae- Leigh Ferris, project manager with SEAPYCD. “We are thrilled to host local industry, organizations, and community partners at the expo. They are all eager to engage with attendees and provide interactive experiences.”

Also occurring on the day is the skills competition, which provides students’ an opportunity to showcase their skills, outside of the classroom, in areas including: automotive service, baking, cabinet making, carpentry, culinary arts, hairstyling, TV/video production and welding.

The top competitors from each of these areas advance on to represent southeast Alberta at the Provincial Skills Competition held in Edmonton, Alberta from May 13 to 14, 2015.

 “The college is proud to be associated with the competition and expo. We always enjoy hosting the students and community on campus,” says Joel Gingrich, director of trades and technology. “Our focus is really on helping students see the potential careers that could come from what they’re learning, and how the skills they’re obtaining in high school could be applied further in programs at MHC.”

Last year there were 120 competitors and teachers from six regional schools involved in the skills portion of the day, while 1,000 students and community members participated in the expo. Planners anticipate a similar turnout in 2015. 

If you are interested in learning more about the skills competition and expo visit www.youthcareer.ca or follow SEAPYD on Twitter @SEAPYCD. If you have any questions contact Ferris at 403.376.2665 or seaskills@mymhc.ca.