OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 28, 2012) - Skills/Compétences Canada, a not-for-profit organization that actively promotes careers in skilled trades and technologies, today announced that it has signed TransCanada Corporation (TSX, NYSE: TRP) as Premier Sponsor of the 2012 Skills Canada National Competition to be held in Edmonton in May.

Canada has created a coordinated approach to help fill the skilled trades gap and entice young people to consider these professions as first choice career options. This sponsorship will provide more resources and tools that will enhance the event experience for the thousands of young spectators who will visit the Skills Canada National Competition.

"The energy sector, like many other resource industries, is experiencing growing demand for experienced skilled trade workers," said Shaun Thorson, CEO of Skills Canada. "Together with the proactive support of industry partners like TransCanada, we can not only better understand these challenges but continue to successfully deliver programs that will help build a sustainable next generation of skilled trade workers."

"This first-class, national competition plays an important role in building a stronger Canadian workforce and showcasing talent and skills from across the country," says Wendy Hanrahan, executive vice-president, Corporate Services, TransCanada. "By bringing industry, government and education together, Skills Canada is helping students make the link between the classroom and future careers in the trades and technologies."

"TransCanada's contribution is a testament to their commitment to educate young people on the benefits of choosing a skilled trade or technology career," added Thorson. "This investment will help contribute to the long-term development of the skills movement in Canada and those impacts will last for generations."

The 2012 Skills Canada National Competition takes place May 13-16, 2012 in Edmonton, Alberta. The event brings more than 500 competitors representing over 40 trades from all provinces and territories to compete in Canada's only national, multi-trade and technology event of its kind for young skilled trade and technology students and apprentices.

The Competition provides an opportunity for students to be tested not only against industry standards, but against their peers from across the nation in their chosen discipline. The event attracts school groups and young career-seekers who can take part in interactive Try-a-Trade® demonstrations, as well as employers and recruiters, industry associations, labour groups, training institutes and government partners. For more information, visit the Skills Canada National Competition Website at www.skillscanada.com.

About TransCanada

With more than 60 years experience, TransCanada is a leader in the responsible development and reliable operation of North American energy infrastructure including natural gas and oil pipelines, power generation and gas storage facilities. TransCanada's network of wholly owned natural gas pipelines extends more than 57,000 kilometres (35,500 miles), tapping into virtually all major gas supply basins in North America. TransCanada is one of the continent's largest providers of gas storage and related services with approximately 380 billion cubic feet of storage capacity. A growing independent power producer, TransCanada owns or has interests in over 10,800 megawatts of power generation in Canada and the United States. TransCanada is developing one of North America's largest oil delivery systems. TransCanada's common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol TRP. For more information visit: www.transcanada.com and follow us on Twitter @TransCanada.

About Skills/Compétences Canada

Skills/Compétences Canada was founded in 1989 as a national, not-for-profit organization that works with employers, educators, labour groups and governments to promote skilled trades and technology careers among Canadian youth. Its unique position among private and public sector partners enables it to work toward securing Canada's future skilled labour needs while helping young people and aspiring apprentices discover rewarding careers. Skills/Compétences Canada offers experiential learning opportunities including skilled trades and technology competitions for hundreds of thousands of young Canadians through regional, provincial/territorial, national and international events, as well as skilled trades awareness programs. Many programs highlight digital and essential skills which are crucial qualifications in most careers of today. Headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario, Skills/Compétences Canada is the Canadian Member organization of WorldSkills International. For more information about Skills/Compétences Canada visit www.skillscanada.com, or call 877-754-5226.

Note to Editors:

High resolution images from recent skills competitions, and B-Roll video clips, are available upon request.

Contact Information:

CMM Communications Group (for Skills/Competences Canada)
Caroline McGrath
416-972-1642
caroline@cmm-communications.com

TransCanada Media Relations
Shawn Howard
800-608-7859
shawn_howard@transcanada.com