Ontario Construction News staff writer
Skills Ontario says it is hosting the 2020 Virtual Skills Ontario Contests, an online initiative for secondary students to test their skills in their chosen skilled trade or technology field. With contests in several skills including mechanical CAD and welding, the Virtual Skills Ontario Contests offer secondary students a chance to virtually participate in a similar manner to the Skills Ontario Competition.
While the 2020 Virtual Skills Ontario Contests are not a replacement for the 2020 Skills Ontario
Competition, which was cancelled in light of COVID-19, Skills Ontario has modified contests for a virtual at-home setting in order for students to develop and test their skills in their chosen field. Students can access the scope of their contest, as well as safety checklists and other required documents, on the Skills Ontario website.
“Our Virtual Contests are one of the many ways we’re continuing to encourage youth to pursue the skilled trades and technologies,” says Skills Ontario CEO Ian Howcroft.“We’re proud to have developed and delivered many online initiatives to encourage experiential learning while Ontarians stay safe at home.
“As we’ve seen both at our in-person events and through our virtual initiatives, the future of Ontario is in good hands, and contests like these highlight that and help to support and celebrate Ontario’s future skilled workforce.”
Registration opened on June 2 for the 2020 Virtual Skills Contests and closes on Sunday.
Submissions are due June 17 or 18, dependent on the contest-specific rules. On June 25, Skills Ontario will host a live virtual Awards Ceremony to award first, second, and third place for each contest, as well as four scholarships: one being an Award of Excellence for the Best Overall Score, valued at $1,000, and three valued at $500.
While not all contest areas typically represented at the Skills Ontario Competition can be available virtually, Skills Ontario has provided this initiative in as many areas as possible.
More information can be found at skillsontario.com/2020-virtual-skills-ontario-contests.