2023-11-01

Career exploration showcase in Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER - About 600 high school students from Chester to Yarmouth attended the Skills Canada - Nova Scotia Career Showcase at the Lunenburg County Lifestyle Centre Oct. 25.

The event featured a wide range of interactive exhibits from various industry sectors to give students a taste of some of the careers that are available to them from boatbuilding to hairstyling and aesthetics.

Benjamin Bestvater, community engagement manager said this is a great opportunity for young people to get a taste of what is out there for careers and skill trades.

"It's a chance for them to explore different industry partners, government organizations and college programs that have come here to put together a hands-on, interactive display," he said.

Bestvater said it is the 24th year for the not-for-profit national organization. He said in recent years the skills' gap is looming large.

"It's really easy for us to find exhibitors for these events. There is so much demand to introduce young people to careers, because everyone is just crying for workers."

Skills Canada is well-known for hosting the Skills Canada competition each year, the only national, multi-trade and technology competition for students and apprentices in the country. Each year, more than 550 competitors face-off in 40 skilled trade and technology competitions.