National Skilled Trade and Technology Week Kicks Off

This is the perfect time to learn more about the skilled trades.

It's National Skilled Trade and Technology Week!

Have you thought at all about pursuing a skilled trades or technology program? Whether you're planning for your next steps out of high school, or you're thinking about what's ahead in your career path, the skilled trades are having a moment right now.

That's especially true of National Skilled Trade and Technology Week (NSTTW), happening now in Canada. During this week-long event, schools, companies, and other organizations across the country engage with students and the public to raise awareness and get folks involved in the skilled trades sector.

Run by Skills Canada (Compétences Canada for our French-speaking friends), NSTTW puts the trades front-and-centre, engaging with the public, as well as business and political leaders, to plan for Canada's future.

Wondering what the skilled trades can offer you? Check out this fun infographic on skills for success (PDF), while teachers and guidance counsellors can explore classroom activities around trades and technology (PDF) to expand students' knowledge of the industry.

On Thursday, at SAIT in Calgary, Alberta, students will join the Try-A-Trade^® event to get hands-on experience and discover rewarding career opportunities.

There are lots of other events and activities (PDF) happening this week, too.

The goal of NSTTW

The goal of National Skilled Trade and Technology Week, per Skills/Compétences Canada, is to:

• Get Canada's youth thinking about skilled trade and technology careers as a viable, interesting option.
• Get Canada's youth to engage in projects/experiences involving skilled trades and technologies, fostering conversations between industries, teachers and students.
• Engage with industry thought leaders and political decision makers creating a dialogue focused on the importance of encouraging uptake in skilled trade and technology careers to ensure that Canada remains at the forefront of competitive advantage in global economies.

Canada's in need of young tradespeople to power the future, so if you're curious about the trades, be sure to explore Skills/Compétences Canada for info, resources, and more, and get your trades career started!

Skills Canada National Competition

In May, 2027, Skills/Compétences Canada will host its flagship event in Calgary, Alberta: the Skills Canada National Competition. Over 500 competitors join the event from across the country to take part in 40+ trades and technology challenges.

Keep your eye open for this and other exciting events as you learn about the many exciting opportunities the trades can offer.