Canadian Skills Competition remains the only event of its kind in Canada. It is the only national, Olympic-style, multi-trade and technology competition for young students and apprentices in the country. Alberta is proud to host the 2008 Canadian Skills Competition at Calgary’s Stampede Park! This is the fourth time Skills Canada Alberta has hosted this prestigious event.

The CSC is the main step in selecting the members of Team Canada for the WorldSkills Competition that is held every two years. The 2008 Canadian Skills Competition is the qualifying year for WorldSkills Calgary 2009. The individuals that will represent Canada at the 2009 WorldSkills Competition will be selected at the 14th Canadian Skills Competition in Calgary on May 25-28, 2008.

Every year, the event brings together over 500 young people from all regions of Canada, along with their parents and advisors, to compete in over 40 trade and technology areas. The competition provides an opportunity for young Canadians studying a skilled trade or technology to be tested against exacting standards and against their peers from across the nation. Students vie to win the honour of being crowned the best in their chosen discipline.

The main goals of this event are to provide competitors with hands-on work experience and to raise awareness for the general population of the value of and challenge in skilled trades and technology careers. The CSC showcases the talent and the expertise of young competitors from across Canada.

The journey to the CSC is a long one for many students as they must compete at local, regional and provincial/territorial events to gain their place to represent their province/territory at the CSC.