CAF highlights trades and careers

Sgt Tim Keith from CFRC assists a student as she experiences the CAF through virtual reality. This was one of many skilled trades and technology activities available at the 2019 Skills Canada National Competition, held May 28 and 29 at the Halifax Exhibition Centre. Photo by Sgt Dianne Lambert, CFRC Atlantic

Sgt Tim Keith from CFRC assists a student as she experiences the CAF through virtual reality. This was one of many skilled trades and technology activities available at the 2019 Skills Canada National Competition, held May 28 and 29 at the Halifax Exhibition Centre. Photo by Sgt Dianne Lambert, CFRC Atlantic

Sgt Dianne Lambert, CFRC (Atlantic) and Margaret Conway
CFB Halifax Public Affairs ~

On May 28 and 29, Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre (CFRC) Atlantic, FMF Cape Scott, CFB Halifax and other local defence organizations participated in the 2019 Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) held at the Halifax Exhibition Centre.

SCNC, the only national, multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices in the country, takes place annually in cities across Canada. Each year, more than 550 competitors from all regions come to SCNC to participate in over 40 skilled trade and technology competitions.

The 2019 competition in Halifax was impressive. The students and apprentices competing were the most highly skilled from their respective provinces and territories, having competed in provincial and territorial events to qualify for the national competition.

In addition to the many competitions that are the foundation of the event, the 2019 SCNC also included essential skills talks, essential skills stage presentations, an exhibitor career zone and a Young Women in Construction Conference, to name a few.

There were various Try-a-Trade® and Technology activities set up by private and public companies and government organizations during the competition. These activities provided students and the public with hands-on experience and created awareness of skilled trade careers in local, regional, and national workforces. Thousands of students from across the province arrived in busloads during the two-day competition.

Our local Defence Team presented an impressive array of activities that highlighted some of the amazing skilled trades careers, both military and civilian, that support CAF operations at home and abroad. Boatswains offered lessons on rigging, allowing guests to try a knot; FDU (A)’s display saw eager students pick up an item on the floor using the Explosive Ordnance Disposal robot; 77 Line Regiment explained how to fuse fibre optic cable using a fusion splicer; civilian members from FMF Cape Scott made personalized key chains with the Engravograph machine; and Real Property Operations Section (Halifax) set up a scaffolding area so those in attendance could climb to oversee the entire show.

Recruiting staff from CFRC Atlantic eagerly greeted visitors to answer questions and offer opportunities to experience the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) though virtual reality.

“The CAF is working hard to be seen as an employer of choice for all Canadians. Promoting the CAF and DND at events like the Skills Canada National Competition allows us to showcase the numerous opportunities for trades within our organization,” explains LCol James Falldien, Commanding Officer CFRC (Atlantic).

Students and members of the public also learned about some of the civilian skilled trades careers available with DND. In Halifax, for example, FMF Cape Scott employs a predominantly civilian workforce of more than 1200 people who provide engineering and maintenance services to the Royal Canadian Navy’s East Coast Fleet. There are 16 trades occupations at Cape Scott, 12 of which are recognized by the Provincial Apprenticeship Program.

“The highly skilled civilian tradespeople in FMF Cape Scott are extremely valued within the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Armed Forces,” explains Capt(N) David Benoit, FMF Cape Scott’s Commanding Officer.

“Not only are they the largest group of employees, who help deliver operational combat capability at sea, but they are also the heart and continuity in the organization as our technical sailors get posted in and out every few years.”

Many thanks to all local Defence organizations and individuals who contributed to the success of our SCNC 2019 involvement. Bravo Zulu to all SCNC 2019 competitors on a job well done and congratulations to the organizers, volunteers and all others involved in this incredible event!

More from SCNC 2019:

Skills Canada Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/skillscanada/

View photos from the event here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/skillscompetencescanada/albums/with/72157708829560887

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