Alberta Local Helps Bring “Olympics of
the Skilled Trades” to Life
September 28, 2009
 More than 150,000 spectators came to Calgary, Alberta Sept. 2-5 for what many call the Olympics of the skilled trades.
WorldSkills Calgary brought together more than 800 young apprentices – representing more than 50 countries – to compete against each other in nearly every trade and craft, including electrical installation.
Edmonton Local 424, along with IBEW signatory contractors from throughout Alberta, served as event sponsors.
“It was a real opportunity for the IBEW to show off what it has to offer in terms of training and expertise,” said Al Brown, assistant business manager for membership development at Local 424.
The Albertan government spent more than $24 million to organize the event, including $1.7 million to transport more than 50,000 high school students from throughout the province to help stoke interest in the skilled trades among the next generation of workers.
“We’re facing a shortage of skilled workers, so the government saw the competition as a great opportunity to encourage students to check out what the trades have to offer,” Brown said.
The IBEW ran an interactive booth to introduce competition attendees to the Brotherhood.
Competitors in the electrical trade event were given a blueprint to set up a commercial wiring installation, which had to be completed by the end of the competition. Work was judged on the basis of craftsmanship, attention to detail and speed.
“It definitely helped raise our profile,” Brown said.
The next WorldSkills competition is set to take place in London in 2011.
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