September 2, 2009 welcomes the world to WorldSkills 2009

Calgary... The 40th WorldSkills competition opened September 1 at Calgary’s Stampede Park with a display of fireworks, eclectic entertainment and a parade of more than 900 international competitors. More than 15,000 spectators gathered for the opening ceremony, kicking off a competition in which the world’s top young talent vie for gold in 45 skills, trades and technology categories over four days.

Prior to the opening ceremony, Premier Ed Stelmach welcomed more than 500 international dignitaries and delegates, “Alberta believes that skilled trades people and technologists will shape our future in countless ways. By working together, we can propel the skills movement forward across the globe and develop the skills knowledge and expertise we need for today and tomorrow.” From September 2 to 5, competitors aged 17 to 22 will work alone or in teams to complete challenging projects in 45 categories such as auto body repair, , IT network support, mobile robotics and landscape gardening. Admission is free, and about 150,000 spectators including students, parents, educators and career counselors are expected to attend this event. Competitors from up to 51 WorldSkills International member countries/regions from across six of the world’s continents are participating. The largest teams come from Japan, Korea and Finland each with 45 competitors while the smallest group comes from India with two competitors. Team comprises 38 competitors, including eight Alberta competitors and others from , , , , and Yukon. All competitors have qualified through Skills Canada provincial/territorial and national competitions. As the lead funding partner, the Government of Alberta committed more than $24 million to help organize and stage the competition including the purchase of equipment that will later be distributed to high schools and post-secondary institutions across Alberta. Other funders include the Government of Canada, City of Calgary and numerous public and private sponsors and suppliers. The WorldSkills Calgary 2009 competition is Calgary’s largest international competitive event since the 1988 Olympic Winter Games. London, United Kingdom will host WorldSkills London 2011. Visit media.worldskills.org for more information about the competitors, worldskills2009.com for details on the event, and worldskills.tv to view daily video updates and vignettes. -30- Backgrounder: Skills movement in Alberta Media inquiries may be directed to: Marie Cusack, Public Affairs Officer, Alberta Advanced Education and Technology, 780-427-0038 (office), 780-499-3381 (b/b) [email protected] To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000. September 2, 2009

Skills movement in Alberta In Alberta and around the world, efforts to integrate 21st-century skills into teaching and learning to prepare students for a global, information-based economy are often referred to as the skills movement. Public post-secondary institutions Within Alberta’s post-secondary system, 11 institutions offer more than 1500 different technical training classes in 50 designated trades and nine designated occupations. This includes two technical institutes (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) and nine regional colleges (Grande Prairie Regional College, Keyano College, Lakeland College, Lethbridge College, Medicine Hat College, Northern Lakes College, Olds College, Portage College, and Red Deer College). There are also four universities in the province. Kindergarten to Grade 12 school system: Specialized skill pathways provide students with the knowledge, skills and attitude for employment or further education. These pathways can be customized to meet student, school or community program needs. Career and technology studies (CTS) are offered in the majority of school jurisdictions across Alberta. With courses like digital design, legal studies, mechanics, computing and cosmetology, students gain valuable skills that may lead to future careers. These studies may lead to other learning opportunities, including the Registered Apprenticeship Program, where students can earn credits towards completing high school while gaining real world experience. Career development and labour market services Albertans have access to a variety of career information resources, including interactive CDs, on-line and print materials. Topics include choosing a career path, planning for post-secondary learning, accessing funding for education and training as well as finding employment, adapting to change or moving from one job or occupation to another. The province’s network of 40 Labour Market Information Centres provides in-person career and employment services informing individuals, communities and employers about labour market trends and training and education opportunities. -30- Media inquiries may be directed to: Marie Cusack, Public Affairs Officer, Alberta Advanced Education and Technology, 780-427-0038 (office), 780-499-3381 (b/b) [email protected] To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000. Alberta Government | Newsroom | Ministries Listing | Advanced Education and Technology Home Page | News Releases | Top of Page |

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