The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is extending best wishes to all participants representing the province at the 2025 Skills Canada National Competition, taking place from May 29-30 in Regina, Saskatchewan. Junior high, high school, college and apprenticeship students are representing Team Newfoundland and Labrador and will showcase their talents on the national stage in skilled trades and technology competitions.
A full list of Team NL participants can be found in the backgrounder.
Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador plays a vital role in encouraging youth to explore careers in the skilled trades and technology sectors. The Department of Jobs, Immigration and Growth is proud to provide $55,000 in annual funding to Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador to support competitions at the intermediate, provincial and national levels.
To further grow participation of youth in the skilled trades, the Department of Jobs, Immigration and Growth is investing $772,550 to extend the Youth Apprenticeship Summer Program until 2027. The Youth Apprenticeship Summer Program is administered by Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador and gives Grade 10 and 11 students hands-on experience with in-demand trades through seven-week paid summer placements. This program allows students to gain work hours that can be credited towards their apprenticeship progress. The number of high school students participating in the program has grown every year since it was first introduced in 2023, and the program is successfully encouraging youth to consider careers in the skilled trades.
The department is also investing $300,000 over three years for Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador’s new Exploring Green Energy Careers initiative. Through research, mentorship and experiential learning, the initiative will help prepare young people for future opportunities in the province’s growing green economy, such as potential hydroelectric development in Labrador following the recent signing of the Churchill Falls Memorandum of Understanding.
Funding for the Youth Apprenticeship Summer Program and Exploring Green Energy Careers initiative has been provided through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement.
Through continued investments and partnerships, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador remains committed to supporting the next generation of skilled tradespeople and innovators.
For more information about careers in the skilled trades, such as hearing directly from apprentices and journeypersons, visit MakeItExcellent.ca.
Quotes
“Best of luck to Team NL at the Skills Canada National Competition. You represent the skill, passion and potential that will shape the future of our province’s workforce. The Provincial Government is committed to supporting young people like you through investments in programs that promote hands-on experience, innovation and long-term career success in the skilled trades.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Jobs, Immigration and Growth
“Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador is honoured to work with the Provincial Government to help shape a strong future for our province and country by empowering youth through innovative programs and a shared commitment to ignite and celebrate excellence. The province’s support allows our organization to continue our mission to inspire the next generation of skilled workers to drive Canada’s continued prosperity and growth.”
Carole Ann Ryan
Executive Director, Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador
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BACKGROUNDER
Individuals representing Team NL at the 2025 Skills Canada National Competition:
- Nathan Andrews (Steamfitter/Pipefitter) – UA Local 740
- Andrew Westcott (Heavy Vehicle Tech) – CNA Placentia
- William Dominie (Welding) – CNA Port Aux Basques
- Connor McConnell (Mobile Robotics) – Roncalli Central High
- Rajendra Shrestha (Carpentry) – CNA Happy Valley-Goose Bay
- Logan Bowers (Cloud Computing) – CNA Prince Philip Drive
- George Green (Mobile Robotics) – Roncalli Central High
- Jacob Chevalier (Precision Machining) – CNA Placentia
- Devin Owens (Refrigeration & Air Conditioning) – CNA Ridge Road
- Abigail Taylor (Workplace Safety) – Ascension Collegiate
- Kelsey Fifield (Public Speaking) – Ascension Collegiate
- Emmanuel Nwachukwu (Photography) – CNA Prince Philip Drive
- Jayden Choi (IT Office Software) – Holy Spirit High
- Olivia Vokey (Video Production) – Brother Rice Junior High
- Kendra Seymore (Hairstyling) – CNA Gander
- Milton John Synching (IT Office Software) – CNA Prince Philip Drive
- Ada Andrews (Video Production) – Brother Rice Junior High
- Robert Swain (IT Network Systems) – CNA Prince Philip Drive
- Jared Nugent (Automobile Tech) – CNA Prince Philip Drive
- Michael Pine (Autobody Repair) – CNA Prince Philip Drive
- Sam Wellon (Electronics) – CNA Corner Brook
- Nate Carroll (Automobile Tech) – Waterford Valley High
- Zachary Caines (Outdoor Power & Recreation) – CNA Bay St. George
- Lucas Garland (Baking) – CNA Prince Philip Drive
- Katy Hancock (Job Skill Demonstration) – Immaculate Heart of Mary
- Daniel Cheng (Web Technologies) – Holy Heart of Mary
- Maxwell King (Photography) – Holy Spirit High
- Ashleigh Hodder (Aerospace Tech) – CNA Gander
- Samuel Pearce (Cooking) – CNA Prince Philip Drive
- Jacob Whelan (Job Search) – Prince of Wales Collegiate
- Noah Jackman (Graphic Design) – CNA Prince Philip Drive
- Landen Cribb (Electronics) – Holy Spirit High
- Jesse Neary (Architectural Tech & Design) – CNA Ridge Road
- Shaunna-Marie Mulock (Electrical Installations) – CNA Seal Cove