SASKATOON – The best of the best apprentices gathered in Saskatoon’s Kiwanis Park this weekend for the annual United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) National Apprenticeship Contest. Thirty-one contestants from the trades competed in the practical component Saturday.
Each was picked to represent their province in a specific trade.
The event gives competitors the opportunity to network and showcase the skills they’ve learned as graduate journeypersons.
“I like being around everyone who is like-minded. We’re all working towards being better tradesmen and making the UBC look better on the job site,” said Shaun Webb, a British Columbia representative.
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Organizers want viewers to gain exposure to skilled trades and enticed them with a free barbecue lunch. Onlookers were witness to the best of the next generation of construction professionals.
“What comes out of this is hopefully we get a chance to profile the importance of skilled labor in the province and across the country. It’s a chance to recognize the hard work of our competitors,” said organizer Michael Kuzyk.
Judges came from across North America to participate and keep an eye out for specific skills. Philadelphia’s John McGrath was one of them.
“Professionalism to show they’re well-trained. They are representatives of us and they’re also our commitment to the future,” said McGrath, judge of the floor covering contest.
As a large supply of veteran workers are retiring, a new supply of certified workers are needed to meet demands.
“Right now we see a whole new generation of trades people and retiring. There is a big demand for journeypersons in the trade, but we have to get more and more apprentices into the trade so we can get them up to the point where they are journeypersons,” said Robin Mullock, Saskatchewan regional manager.
Competitions like this help promote the trades. It shows the skills that are required to be a successful apprentice. Contractors, government partners and industry stakeholders are able to see firsthand the skills developed during an internship. All of which will help build funding and support for trades education.
“In the last 15 to 20 years a lot of people haven’t gone into the trades and that’s why we have such a shortage of trades people. Everybody decided to go into other careers. Now that they see the other careers aren’t as good or long as the trades, we are seeing a lot more come back,” said Mullock.
An awards ceremony will be held at the Delta Bessborough Saturday night to celebrate the event and competition winners.
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