WorldSkills Team Canada 2013 is announced; the journey to Leipzig begins

Skills/Compétences Canada hosts 35 National Champions as they prepare to compete on the world stage

OTTAWA, Oct. 11, 2012 /CNW/ - Skills/Compétences Canada, a not-for-profit organization that actively promotes careers in skilled trades and technologies, today announced the 35 members of WorldSkills Team Canada 2013 who will compete at the 42^nd WorldSkills Competition being held in Leipzig, Germany, from July 2^nd-7^th, 2013. Representing Canada's best in skilled trades and technology, the 35 members of WorldSkills Team Canada 2013, along with their trainers and experts, gathered in Ottawa from September 21 - 23, marking the beginning of their journey to WorldSkills Leipzig 2013.

"WorldSkills Leipzig 2013 represents the opportunity of a lifetime where WorldSkills Team Canada 2013 will be competing for the title of world champion," said Shaun Thorson, CEO of Skills/Compétences Canada. "This talented group of young skilled trade students are embarking on a life-changing journey, which will include a lot of hard work, dedication and perseverance. On behalf of Skills/Compétences Canada and our member organizations, we wish WorldSkills Team Canada 2013 all the very best of luck in their training leading up to the Competition."

WorldSkills Leipzig 2013 represents Canada's 12^th participation at WorldSkills, an international competition which takes place every two years, bringing together the world's best and brightest skilled trades and technology students and apprentices. Over 1,000 competitors from 61 WorldSkills International Member regions/countries will participate, competing in 43 skilled trade disciplines.

More information on WorldSkills Leipzig 2013 can be found at www.worldskillsleipzig2013.com

About Skills/Compétences Canada
Skills/Compétences Canada was founded in 1989 as a national, not-for-profit organization that works with employers, educators, labour groups and governments to promote skilled trades and technology careers among Canadian youth. Its unique position among private and public sector partners enables it to work toward securing Canada's future skilled labour needs while helping young people discover rewarding careers. Skills/Compétences Canada offers experiential learning opportunities including skilled trades and technology competitions for hundreds of thousands of young Canadians through regional, provincial/territorial, national and international events, as well as skilled trades awareness programs. Many programs highlight digital and essential skills, which are crucial qualifications in most careers of today. Headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, Skills/Compétences Canada is the Canadian Member organization of WorldSkills International. For more information about Skills/Compétences Canada visit www.skillscanada.com or call 877-754-5226.

Follow Skills/Compétences Canada on Twitter at www.twitter.com/skills_canada.

Video with caption: "Video: WorldSkills Team Canada 2013 is announced; the journey to Leipzig begins". Video available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVIRCYSIDhA&list=UUcYwgYjv18HplUo5-gDSfdQ&index=1&feature=plcp

Image with caption: "WorldSkills Team Canada 2013. (CNW Group/SKILLS/COMPETENCES CANADA)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121011_C6111_PHOTO_EN_19132.jpg

SOURCE: SKILLS/COMPETENCES CANADA