The Skills Canada National Competition (SCNC) 2026 was officially launched during the Opening Ceremony in Toronto on May 27, 2026. The two-day event takes place on May 28 and 29 at the Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place, in Toronto, Ontario.
Over 500 Competitors from Across Canada
At SCNC, more than 500 competitors from across Canada will compete in over 40 skilled trade and technology Skill Areas for the chance to be named the best in the country in their field. Additionally, there will be more than 50 interactive Try-A-Trade and Technology activities, allowing thousands of visitors to explore and test various trades and technologies. The competition aims to encourage youth to excel in skilled trades and technologies and to raise awareness of the career opportunities available in these sectors across Canada.
CEO Shaun Thorson's Statement
“We’re proud to bring back the Skills Canada National Competition to Toronto for the second time since 2014. This event is a powerful platform that inspires thousands of young people to explore exciting and in-demand careers in the skilled trades and technologies,” said Shaun Thorson, Chief Executive Officer of Skills/Compétences Canada (SCC).
Special Events and Activities
Several exciting SCC events are happening in conjunction with SCNC. The Skills Showcase features First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Skills, where talented artists demonstrate the connections between their craft and the skilled trades. The Empowering Women in Trades (EWiT) space allows visitors to meet inspiring women who have pursued careers in the skilled trades, inviting young women to discover opportunities in these fields. EWiT will also feature industry celebrities Sherry Holmes and Mike Holmes Jr.
A livestream featuring the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, competition footage, and onsite interviews with celebrities, partners, alumni, WorldSkills Team Canada, and members of the National Technical Committee and National Board of Directors will be accessible via SCC’s YouTube Channel. The full livestream schedule is available on the website and social media channels.
Closing Ceremony and Winner's Circle
The Closing Ceremony, where competition results will be announced, takes place on May 30 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Enercare Centre at Exhibition Place. The Winner's Circle will feature professional photography and interviews with medalists; media are invited to attend.
Addressing the Skilled Trades Shortage
According to Employment and Social Development Canada, about 700,000 of the four million Canadians working in the trades are set to retire by the end of the decade, creating a significant shortage of skilled tradespeople.
About Skills/Compétences Canada
Skills/Compétences Canada was founded in 1989 as a national, not-for-profit organization that works with employers, educators, labour groups, and governments to promote skilled trade and technology careers among Canadian youth. For more information, visit www.skillscanada.com or the SCNC 2026 page.
MEDIA CONTACT: Michèle Rogerson, micheler@skillscanada.com, 613-266-4771.
