NORTH BATTLEFORD — This past weekend, Jorda Thomas of North Battleford was awarded the RBC Best Region Award for Saskatchewan at the 2024 Skills Canada National Competition. She will receive $1,500 towards her education and future career.
A first-year student at Saskatchewan Polytechnic Regina, Thomas participated in the Graphic Design Technology competition, competing against students from across the country.
Held at the ExpoCité in Quebec City from May 30-31, the competition brought together students and apprentices from across the country to compete against each other in their sector of expertise. More than 500 students from all regions of Canada participated in over 45 skilled trade and technology competitions. The event is the only national, multi-trade and technology completion for students and apprentices in the country.
“My advisor and professor in graphic design were the key to my success due to their ongoing support,” said Thomas who qualified by winning the Saskatchewan Provincial Skills Competition earlier this spring. “It was an honour to represent my province.”
For the third consecutive year, the RBC Best of Region Awards were awarded at the Skills Canada National Competition to the competitor with the best weighted score from each province and territory.
“I intend to gain further experience in the field of graphic design before beginning my own business in the field,” said Thomas. “This award will support me in continuing my education before hopefully one day running my business.”
By providing a forum where young Canadians can compete, the national competition provides hands-on work experience related to skilled trade and technology careers. Something that is important to the future of work in Canada. According to an RBC report, “Powering Up: Preparing Canada's skilled trades for a post-pandemic economy,” Canada will face a shortage of 10,000 skilled trade workers by 2026.
The Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) is supported by our Funding Partner the Government of Canada, as well as sponsors, UA Canada, Cenovus Energy and Home Hardware. SCNC 2025 will be held at the Regina Exhibition Association Limited (REAL) District, in Regina on May 29 and 30, 2025.
