THE IDEAL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IS BACK… AND BIGGER THAN EVER!

Ideal Nationals

March 5, 2019

On October 18th. 2018, the “stop” button was pressed for the last time, the final competitors put down their tools, wound up their fish tapes, and congratulated each other on another great event.

Then the waiting began.

Canada”s electricians and apprentices have endured four and a half long months of waiting. Waiting to experience the thrill that comes with successfully executing a “double­ strip-double-bend-combo” … Waiting to enjoy the feeling of satisfaction on realizing that they have beat their own personal-best time… Waiting for another opportunity to show off their electrical skills competitively…

Thankfully. the wait is over.

 THE IDEAL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IS BACK…

 And bigger than ever!

IDEAL Canada is excited to announce that the 2019 IDEAL National Championship qualifying round starts NOW and will run through October 4th. For Canada”s second year of ‘The Nationals’. IDEAL is cranking it up with more qualifiers, more events, and more prizes!

Last year IDEAL sent nine electricians and apprentices from two Canadian regions to participate in the Championship Weekend in Orlando. There, they were treated like rock stars while competing for the chance to win incredible cash prizes. In 2019 there will be even more opportunities to qualify – Canada will be divided into four official regions. and IDEAL will be sending 18 challengers to Orlando.

For anyone who doesn’t already know, The Nationals are an electrifying series of qualifying round matches that take place at distributor branches, schools, tradeshows, contractor locations and union halls across Canada. Competitors (electricians, electrical apprentices and students) are tasked with a seemingly simple wiring challenge, utilizing IDEAL tools and supplies that they complete while racing against the clock. The competition culminates in the Championship Weekend where the winners from each region face off against their peers from across North America in a series of progressively more difficult electrical skills challenges. Ultimately. the most skilled electrician is crowned National Champion, a title that comes with accolades – and a payday of $75.000 USD.

Here’s a look at some of the changes and additions that the 2019 competition brings:

 NEW CANADIAN REGIONS

 In 2019, Canada will be home to four regions, with a total of 10 regional qualifying spots up for grabs. These spots will be awarded to the individuals (in each region) with the fastest recorded times in their category – “Professional” or “Student/Apprentice”. Contenders can compete at as many events as they like, in an effort to put forth faster times.

Region A

Province: British Columbia

Qualifiers: 1 Pro and 1 Student/Apprentice

Region B

Provinces: Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Northern Ontario (from Marathon, ON west). Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunuvut

Qualifiers: 1 Pro and 1 Student/Apprentice

Region C

Provinces: Ontario (from Marathon, ON east) Qualifiers: 2 Pros and 2 Students/Apprentices

Region D

Provinces: Quebec, New Brunswick, PEI. Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland Qualifiers: 1 Pro and 1 Student/Apprentice

 NEW! WILDCARD SPOTS

 There will also be four Canadian wildcard qualifying spots available in 2019. These will be awarded to two Pros and two Students/Apprentices who have the fastest recorded times, outside of the Regional winners.

 ideal1.jpgTEAM COMPETITION

To make the team competition more accessible to electricians working for smaller companies, teams will now be made up of only two individuals (rather than three). Contractor Teams will be comprised of two professional electricians who work for the same contractor, and Student Teams will be two students or apprentices from the same school.

At the end of the qualifying round, the fastest overall Contractor Team and School Team in Canada (from all regions combined) will advance to Orlando.

IDEAL has also increased the prize allotments at the Championship Weekend to “sweeten the pot” for winning team’s contractors and schools.

QUALIFYING ROUND PRIZES

At every event. IDEAL will award a prize pack to the Professional and Student/Apprentice who completes the challenge board in the fastest time. Their scores will also be recorded and uploaded to The Nationals database for the chance to qualify for the Championship Weekend.

Additionally. each week. IDEAL will hold a random draw to win the “tool of the week”. Every time a person checks-in to one of the qualifying round events. they will be automatically entered into the draw- regardless of whether or not they won their event.

CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND PRIZESIdeal 2.jpg

Professional Individual:

First Place: $75.000 USD Second Place: $25.000 USD Third Place: $10.000 USD

Student/Apprentice Individual:

First Place: $30.000 USD Second Place: $20.000 USD Third Place: $10.000 USD

Contractor Team

Winning Team: $40.000 USD

Contractor of Winning Team: $20.000 USD in IDEALcash PLUS a marketing consultancy package (valued at up to $50.000 USD)

Student Team

Winning Team: $20.000 USD

School of Winning Team: $10.000 USD in IDEALcash PLUS five (5) one-year scholarships to the Team’s school

 The 2019 IDEAL National Championship is on now! If you’d like to get involved as a competitor. visit IDEALNationals.com to register and find events in your area.

If you are a distributor. educator. or contractor interested in learning more. or want to host an IDEAL National Championship qualifying event at your location. contact IDEAL’s National Championship Coordinator. Monique Hinds at monique.hinds@idealindustries.com or 1-800-824-3325.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • The Non-Residential Sector Declines in All Three Components Despite Sustained Industrial Permit Level

    The Non-Residential Sector Declines in All Three Components Despite Sustained Industrial Permit Level

    November 4, 2024 The total value of building permits in Canada decreased by $858.1 million (-7.0%) to $11.5 billion in August, following a strong July during which construction intentions rose sharply (+20.8%). The residential and non-residential sectors contributed to the decrease in August. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), the total value of building permits decreased 7.6% in… Read More…

  • A Slight Decrease in Residential Building Construction for August

    A Slight Decrease in Residential Building Construction for August

    November 4, 2024 Investment in building construction edged up 0.2% to $21.0 billion in August, after a 1.6% decrease in July. The residential sector edged down (-0.1%) to $14.6 billion, while the non-residential sector was up 1.0% to $6.4 billion. Year over year, investment in building construction grew 7.2% in August. On a constant dollar basis (2017=100), investment in building construction was… Read More…

  • When a Familiar Door Closes

    When a Familiar Door Closes

    November 4, 2024 By Keith Sones, seasoned utility industry executive Most of the articles I’ve written have been based on personal experiences, many of them occurring decades ago, which eventually translate into helpful life lessons. The years allow the events to marinate in a savoury stew of time and reflection, clarity never coming immediately, or even… Read More…

  • Regulatory Changes to Manitoba Apprenticeship and Certification System

    Regulatory Changes to Manitoba Apprenticeship and Certification System

    November 4, 2024 Effective October 30, 2024, Manitoba’s apprenticeship and certification system will undergo regulatory changes. These changes aim to enhance responsiveness to industry needs, align with Red Seal standards, and improve the quality of apprentice training and safety. Go HERE for more information Source Read More…


Changing Scene