VSB medalists from 2025 Team BC (Bronze - Video Production; Silver - Baking, Workplace Safety; GOLD - Fashion Technology)

SkillsCompétences Canada BC helps students explore rewarding careers in the skilled trades and technology sectors through skills competitions, hands-on programs for students and resources for educators. Vancouver School Board students have a remarkable track record of success at provincial, national, and world competitions.

Competition Categories
Students can compete in one of a number of competition categories, specifically in the competitions for secondary school students. Historically, VSB students have competed in:

• Automotive Service Technology
• Auto Body Repair
• Baking
• Car Painting
• Cooking
• Electrical Wiring
• Fashion Technology
• Hairstyling
• Job Skill Demonstration
• Outdoor Recreation & Power Equipment
• Public Speaking
• Video Production
• Welding
• Workplace Safety

To learn more about what is required for these and other competitions, please visit the SkillsCanada BC website containing the competition documents.

Regional Competitions
Students and staff interested in more information about Regional Competitions can contact Sandra Wrigley, SkillsCanadaBC Regional Coordinator for the Northwest Lower Mainland.

Provincial Competition
For competition categories without a Regional Competition, space for one competitor may be available for a VSB student (subject to SkillsCanada BC rules). Please contact Mark Reid, District Resource Teacher - Career Programs, for more information about how to become a competitor.

The Provincial Competition takes place annually in Abbotsford, BC in mid-April.

National Competition
VSB students who win a gold medal at the Provincial Competition will receive an invitation to join Team BC at the National Competition. This prestigious opportunity is a remarkable chance to demonstrate skilled trades and technology skills on a national stage. Information for VSB students participating at the National Competition will be provided immediately following the Provincial Competition.

The Skills Canada National Competition takes place annually in a major city in Canada in late-May. 

WorldSkills Competition
Competitions for secondary school students rarely result in an opportunity to advance to the WorldSkills Competition, but several VSB graduates have gone on to join Team Canada and competed at WorldSkills. The VSB has been fortunate to have had multiple Fashion Technology competitors, including recent competitors in 2024 (Lyon, France) and 2026 (Shanghai, China).

WorldSkills competitions take place in even-numbered years. Skills Canada National Competitions in odd-numbered years are used to determine which competitors will qualify to join Team Canada.