April 12, 2016

South Eastern Alberta Partners for Youth Career Development (SEAPYCD) in conjunction with Medicine Hat College (MHC) will host the 11^th annual South East Alberta Regional Skills Competition (SEASkills) and Trades and Technology Expo on Tuesday, April 26, 2016.

The skills competition includes over 100 senior high school students from the region competing in auto service, baking, cabinet making, carpentry, culinary arts, hairstyling, TV/video and welding. The top two competitors from each category will advance on to the Provincial Skills Canada Competition in Edmonton on May 11 - 12, 2016.

“The skills competition is an opportunity for the students to showcase their proficiency outside of the classroom while also being exposed to real life opportunities and viable career options,” says Kristi Liboiron, project manager for SEASkills and field director for SEAPYCD.

The Trades and Technology Expo, which runs alongside the skills competition, provides over 800 junior and senior high school students the opportunity to try a variety of skills ranging from welding and using the heavy equipment simulator, to hairdressing and culinary arts. 

Dennis Beaudoin, interim director for the Division of Trades and Technology explains that the college always looks forward to hosting this event on campus.  

“It’s a great celebration of our community and allows students to compete against one another, with their hand skills, in the hopes to move on to the provincial competition,” says Beaudoin. “It also showcases what trades is all about within the college and exposes the junior and senior high school students to what career opportunities exist in trades and technologies.”

Beaudoin mentions that there are a variety of programs involved in this year’s expo such as trades, information technology and visual communications. 

“We really encourage the community to come on campus and get a hands-on, interactive look at the types of programs out there,” says Liboiron. “It’s also a great opportunity to cheer on the competitors and see the talent that exists locally.”

The majority of the competitions will take place at the college, with baking being held at Crescent Heights High School and culinary arts at Monsignor McCoy High School. The award ceremony will take place at 4:30 p.m. in the Eresman Theatre. This event is free and open to the public.

If you would like more information, visit the SEAPYD website at www.youthcareer.ca or follow them on Twitter @SEAPYCD.