Education Minister promotes career education and attends WorldSkills competition in Japan
Edmonton... Education Minister Ron Liepert will represent the province at the 39th WorldSkills Competition in Shizouka, Japan from November 14-18.
Liepert will meet with Japanese education officials during his four-day visit to discuss new approaches to career education and with international dignitaries as part of the province’s preparations to host WorldSkills 2009 in Calgary. Four Alberta apprentices are also heading to Japan to compete in this year’s CNC Milling, Industrial Control, Joinery and Plumbing skill categories.
“Alberta will be hosting the world in 2009, and gaining insight into the scope of the event will assist us in preparations,” said Liepert. “This trip will help us profile our province’s highly skilled workforce to our global partners, while also focusing attention on career development opportunities we offer through our world-class education system.”
Every two years, hundreds of youth under the age of 22 from across the globe gather together with their teachers and trainers to compete in this Olympic-style competition that symbolizes excellence in vocational training. Competitors represent the best of their peers from across the globe, and are drawn from regional and national competitions held in more than 45 countries. In September 2009, WorldSkills, the world’s largest demonstration of skilled talent, will be hosted by Canada in Calgary.
The estimated cost of the trip, including travel, accommodation and meals for Minister Liepert is $13,770.
Strengthening relationships and promoting the province’s vibrant education system is part of Premier Ed Stelmach’s plan to secure Alberta’s future by building communities, greening our growth and creating opportunity.
Backgrounder
General itinerary for Minister Liepert in Japan, November 14-18
November 12 & 13- Travel to and arrive in Japan
November 14
- Breakfast meeting with James Yellowlees, Canadian Education Alliance (CEA)
- Meeting with Japanese National Ministry of Education
- Briefing with Canadian Embassy officials
- Opening ceremonies – Shizouka Granship
- Reception with other international WorldSkills dignitaries
November 15
- Lunch with other visiting dignitaries
- Information and networking seminars focusing on global skills issues
- Canadian Embassy reception
November 16
- Guided tour of WorldSkills competition site
- WorldSkills Leaders’ Forum
- Tours of competition events and Global Skills Village
- Dinner with other international WorldSkills dignitaries
November 17
- Tours of competition events and Global Skills Village
November 18
- Return flight to Calgary
This itinerary is subject to change without notice.
