The countdown is officially on.

The Skills Ontario Competition—Canada’s largest skilled trade and technology competition—is set to take place from May 4 to 6 at the Toronto Congress Centre.

Every May, students, educators, parents, guardians, employers, and advocates come together for the Skills Ontario Competition, where Ontario’s future workforce puts their skills to the test in more than 70 contests, including carpentry, robotics, hairdressing, mechatronics, graphic design, coding, and welding. With several organizations providing hands-on activities and the opportunity to speak to employers, educators, and key stakeholders at the Career Exploration Showcase, the Skills Ontario Competition is an opportunity for attendees to learn and network.

More than 37,000 took in the 2019 Skills Ontario Competition.

Day 1 at this year’s competition focuses on elementary student participation and skill development. Elementary students from across the province will participate in a range of workshops and challenges designed to introduce them to career opportunities and relevant skills in the skilled trades and technologies. The secondary and post-secondary contests take place on Day 1 and 2. Winners will be announced at the Skills Ontario Closing Awards Ceremony on May 6.

The Skills Ontario Young Women’s Conference—the largest young women’s conference in Canada—and First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Student Conference, that hosts Indigenous youth from across the province, take place in conjunction with the Skills Ontario Competition. These are key events in the effort to build the momentum for a skilled, diverse, and robust workforce in Ontario.

“We’re looking forward to hosting another great Skills Ontario Competition,” says Ian Howcroft, CEO of Skills Ontario. “This event is the ultimate display of the skills and talents that will lead and strengthen our economy, as well as an opportunity for Ontarians to learn about careers in the skilled trades and technologies. These careers are fulfilling, lucrative, and in-demand, and Skills Ontario is proud to share this message by connecting education, experience, and employment at the Skills Ontario Competition and at all our other events and programs throughout the year.”

More information about the Skills Ontario Competition is available at skillsontario.com.