At the center of this area will be the 2004 Skills Canada-Ontario "Heating Systems Technician Competition." Attendees will be able to watch as some of the industry's best young technicians compete in a test of their technical problem-solving skills. This is the second year that the event, organized by the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Contractors of Canada (HRAC), will be held as an official competition recognized by Skills Canada.

On March 26, post-secondary students will compete in a program designed to evaluate their practical skills, knowledge of theory, and their interview skills. On March 25, a similar competition will be held for secondary school students. The Technological Skills Competition promotes careers in the skilled trades and technologies through provincial, national, and international competitions. This year, HRAC has received assistance in the organization of this competition from ClimateCare, Union Gas Limited, and Enbridge Gas Distribution. The official sponsor of the heating systems competition is Lennox Inc.

Celebrating the industry's past will be an exhibit of historical artifacts from the Canadian HVACR Heritage Centre.

Also included in this focus area will be exhibitors that are active in the recruiting and training of young people in the industry. This section will focus on apprenticeship and youth employment programs, and exhibitors will include the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), the Learning Partnership's "Passport to Prosperity" Program, apprenticesearch.com (an online apprentice recruitment tool), Skills Canada, and the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities.

In addition to these special exhibits, the plaza will include the show floor seminar room featuring presentations on new technologies and products by leading manufacturers.

For more information on CMX 2004, visit www.cmxshow.com.

Publication date: 03/15/2004