Many students begin their Skills journey in High School, entering the competition with thier teacher’s support, qualifying in our Regional Competitions and progressing to Provincials and beyond. Post Secondary students begin by applying to compete in Provincials and advancing on. Learn more below to learn about the Skills Competition process.
The Skills Competition by the Numbers
701
average number of competitors each year
115
schools enter the competition each year
45
contest areas
The History of Skills
Established in 1992, the Provincial Skills Canada Competition is Alberta’s largest career exploration experience.
Every year, the event brings together approximately 700 young people from across the province to compete in 45 trade and technology areas. The competition provides an opportunity for young Albertans studying a skilled trade or technology to be tested against exacting standards and against their peers. Students vie to win the honour of being crowned best in province in their chosen discipline, and for the opportunity to join Team Alberta for the Skills Canada National Competition.
High school students begin their journey with Skills Canada Alberta either with a Regional or Qualifying Skills Canada Competition, or through in-school selection for skill areas not offered in their region. Post-Secondary students apply to compete, with a reference from their technical institute.
Skills Competitions for High School
High School students begin their journey with a Regional or Qualifying Skills Canada Competition or through in-school selection for skill areas not offered in their region.
Skills Competitions for Post Secondary
To compete in Skills Alberta, Post-Secondary students apply to compete with a reference from their technical institute.
How Our Flagship Competitions Work
Qualifying: Regionals
March & April
High school students who wish to compete in select event areas must first compete at either a Regional of Qualifying level. There are 9 Regional Skills Canada Competitions across Alberta. Top performers in the Regional and Qualifying Competitions automatically earn a spot to compete at the Provincial Skills Canada Competition.
Provincials
May
High school students earn the opportunity to compete at the Provincial Skills Canada Competition by either winning a spot at a Regional or Qualifying Skills Canada Competition in some events. For others, they are selected by their teacher to participate. Post-secondary students apply to compete, with endorsement from their technical institute.
Skills Canada Nationals
June
Gold medalists at the Provincial Skills Canada Competition are rewarded with an invitation to join Team Alberta. Students have the opportunity to showcase their skills at the Skills Canada National Competition, which is held in a different Canadian city every year.
WorldSkills International
October
WorldSkills International competitions take place every two years, in different countries around the world. Selection for WorldSkills Competitions occurs the year before the WorldSkills International Competition to provide competitors time to prepare.
Learn more about the Skills Alberta Competition