• Opportunity to increase product, service and brand exposure/loyalty
• Opportunity to increase your customer base
• Recognition as an involved corporate citizen
• Input in identifying skills and competencies that are crucial for developing a successful workforce
• Increased sales
• To improve public perception of the importance of and opportunities in careers in skilled trades and technologies
• To encourage students to recognize the value of completing post secondary education for personal enhancement and future employability
• To attract potential employees
• Supports your company’s positioning in the marketplace
• Unique opportunity for public relations

The quality of life we enjoy in Canada today is a direct result of the talent of our skilled work force over the past 100 years. For the next 100 years, our economic and social prosperity will remain vitally dependant on our ability as a nation to educate, train and strengthen our skilled work force.

Recognizing the enduring need for skilled workers on a global scale, WorldSkills is an international not-for-profit organization with the primary mandate of engaging youth and young workers in skilled trade and technology careers. In proactive response to declining numbers of young people entering the skilled work force today, over 49 member countries embrace the mission of the WorldSkills organization and participate through education programs, promoting awareness and participating in national and international competitions.

As an economic driver within Canada, the Province of Alberta stands to face significant challenges in attracting, building and retaining a robust skilled work force in trade and technology based industries. While our strengths in oil and gas, mining and forestry industries, among others, are acknowledged across Canada and around the world, we can already today witness the strains of skilled worker shortages and can only imagine that without a dedicated and concerted effort, the foundations of our economic and social prosperity will be threatened.

WorldSkills Calgary 2009 is a pinnacle event for the WorldSkills movement. For seven days in September of 2009, Calgary will play host to 49 countries, represented by over 900 young competitors demonstrating their talents in 40 skill categories, from welding and robotics to telecommunications and joinery. With over 150,000 expected event attendees, made up of students, parents, educators, international judges, industry and government, WorldSkills Calgary 2009 stands to be an optimal opportunity to raise awareness and understanding of skilled trades within the Province of Alberta.

Provincial and Federal Governments have acknowledged the importance of WorldSkills Calgary 2009 and we continue to work to further their support. Equally important, interest from the corporate community has been strong and encouraging. Without question, the partnerships we create within industry and the private sector will be vital to our long term success. We look forward to the opportunity to discuss your interest in being a part of WorldSkills Calgary 2009.