CAF demonstrates skilled trades career opportunities at Skills Canada Alberta 2024
June 13, 2024 - WO Jesse Obee – Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre Calgary, Detachment Edmonton
On May 8 and 9, around 85 individuals from the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) attended the Skills Canada Alberta event hosted at the Edmonton EXPO Centre.
These CAF members formed part of the attraction team representing the Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre Calgary, Detachment Edmonton. Comprising recruiters from the Canadian Forces Recruiting Group (CFRG) and supporting units, the attraction team showcased the diverse range of occupations available within the CAF.
Established in 1992, Skills Canada Alberta emerged with the mission of equipping Alberta to thrive in a rapidly evolving global marketplace. Its core objective is to advocate for skilled trades and technologies among the youth of Alberta. Notably, Skills Canada Alberta stands as the flagship event for the Edmonton recruitment detachment on an annual basis. This year's event drew around 14,000 registered students, featuring over 700 student competitors, alongside numerous leaders from industry, education, government and labour sectors, all converging to invest in the future of Alberta.
The CAF was represented with four major exhibits.
The largest display area was located outside the entrance of the EXPO Centre. A diverse array of vehicles utilized by the Canadian Army graced the exhibit, featuring prominent pieces such as the Light Armoured Vehicle 6.0 Engineer Variant courtesy of 1 Combat Engineer Regiment (1 CER), and the Leopard 2A4 tank presented by Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians).
Highlighting the adage that "an army marches on its stomach," two mobile kitchen trailers (MKT) were prominently displayed. Inside, visitors could explore the original MKT utilized by the Army since 1986, stationed adjacent to CFRG Edmonton’s recruitment booth. Meanwhile, the newer model Specialty Equipped Vehicle Platform Kitchen was exhibited outdoors alongside other army equipment. However, the Army was not the sole participant showcasing their prowess.
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Corporal Evan Russett from 1 Service Battalion lends his trade expertise as a supervisor at the welding Try‑A‑Trade exhibit.
Photos by MCpl Cass Moon, 3rd Canadian Division Public Affairs
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The Try‑A‑Trade robotics exhibit, hosted by 1 Combat Engineer Regiment, featured Boston Dynamics’ robot dog Spot.
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) made a notable appearance outdoors with a CF‑18 Hornet cockpit. Enthusiastic students had the opportunity to sit in the cockpit, pose for photos and engage with knowledgeable staff who were available to answer their questions. Alongside the cockpit, a mobile repair trailer for 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron’s CH‑146 Griffons and their recruitment booth added depth to the RCAF's presence.
Completing the outdoor display, the Royal Canadian Navy’s HMCS Nonsuch brought their own contributions, including a Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boat and a recruitment booth staffed with recruiters and members. Their presence offered students and the public a chance to interact with, and learn more about opportunities within, the organization.
As previously noted, indoors featured the primary recruitment booth situated near the MKT, where recruiters fielded questions from both inquisitive students and teachers alike. In a separate hall, another compelling Army display awaited attendees. Combat engineers from 1 CER showcased their Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, accompanied by the tEODor and Vanguard EOD robots demonstrating cutting‑edge technology and expertise in action.
The fourth and final display featured the Jiffy Jeep team from the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, who captivated audiences of all ages with their remarkable speed and precision in disassembling and reassembling a fully operational Jeep. Their lightning‑fast performance left spectators in awe, demonstrating their unparalleled expertise and skill. While the reason for dismantling a functioning Jeep remains a mystery, their ability to execute it faster than anyone else is a testament to their proficiency.
Outside the formal displays, the presence of the CAF left an indelible mark, offering attendees a compelling glimpse into a world of diverse career possibilities. Service members not only demonstrated military equipment but also shared personal anecdotes and lived experiences within the CAF. These intimate exchanges provided a deeper understanding of life in the armed forces and resonated with students, counsellors and teachers on a sincere level.
By connecting on a personal level, CAF members challenged preconceived notions about military careers and highlighted the invaluable skills and training offered by the organization. For many attendees, this rounded experience served as an eye‑opening revelation, fostering a newfound appreciation for the multifaceted opportunities available within the CAF.
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The Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Jiffy Jeep performance demo team puts on a show during the Skills Canada Alberta 2024 Provincial competition at the Edmonton EXPO Centre.
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Students arrive in organized waves to take in all the offerings at the Skills Canada Alberta competition at the Edmonton EXPO Centre.
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Master Warrant Officer Chiu Tsang, 3rd Canadian Division Headquarters and G4 Foods (in black), served as a special culinary advisor and judge for the students competing in the culinary arts competition.
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Brigadier‑General Steve Graham, Commander 3rd Canadian Division (left); Ray Massey, Chair of the Skills Canada Alberta Board of Directors (centre); and Captain Stefan Janjic, Commander Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre Calgary, Detachment Edmonton, take a tour of the 2024 Skills Canada Alberta competition.
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