Overview
The Department of Education in conjunction with the Center of Excellence for Skilled Trades and Manufacturing and Skills Canada New Brunswick are once again supporting schools interested in hosting school-based competitions. The goal of these competitions is to increase awareness and participation in Skills Canada provincial competitions scheduled for April. Although schools will have some flexibility to complete projects, it is asked that schools enact this learning during the week of March 23-27. Educators will be able to register their class or designated members of their class to participate. That discretion will be left up to the educator. Scope documents and drawings along with all materials will be supplied after registering through the Center of Excellence for Skilled Trades and Manufacturing website. This is an excellent chance to get students extra practice if they intend on competing provincially. It is also an opportunity to get students involved in skill development and learning that they may otherwise not have had.
The specialty areas for this year’s competitions are cabinet making (carpentry), metal fabrication (welding) and culinary (baking). We estimate that the projects sent out will take 4-6 hours to complete. This could be done in class over several days, or in a larger block of time. This will depend on the educator’s preference and ability to coordinate larger blocks of time. We would also like to see these events showcased inside the school. Maybe through video announcements or by allowing other classes to walk through and view during competition.
Metal Fabrication (Welding): Max 15 schools; 300 total kits available
Cabinet Making (Carpentry): Max 25 schools: Resource funding to support classes
Culinary (Baking): Max 25 schools. Resource funding to support classes
Interested?
To register, please click here.
Deadline for registrations is Friday, February 20th, 2026 at 4:00 pm. Deadline may close sooner depending upon popularity of competitions.
Note 1: Kits/funds are limited. Kits/funds will be distributed to those who register, with equitable distribution across schools and districts.
Note 2: Registration does not guarantee kits/funds. The activity lead (Virgil Graham) will review all registrations and reach out to all with further details. Successful registrants will receive a confirmation of acceptance email. Unsuccessful registrants will also receive an email.
Note 3: Please complete a separate form for each competition/class you wish to register. Competitions are limited to one class per completed registration. Entire school or grade level registrations for competitions will be restricted.
