PROVINCE SIGNS CONSTRUCTION CAREERS AGREEMENT WITH SIIT

More people will get construction trade training, thanks to a construction careers project agreement signed today by Advanced Education and Employment Minister Pat Atkinson and Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) president Ray Ahenakew.

The province will provide $214,000 to the Saskatoon Construction Careers Project to create work-site training for nearly 500 people this year. Projects are also offered at construction sites in Regina and Prince Albert. Approximately 85 per cent of participants are First Nations.

"The success of this award-winning program is demonstrated in the number of people learning important construction skills and the number who go on to careers in the field," Atkinson said. "The project is an important link for people to develop skills that help them find employment and participate in Saskatchewan's strong economy."

"Partnerships are our answer in moving ahead," Ahenakew said. "SIIT is pleased to continue to administer the three projects. We know that if we connect individuals to an employer, provide them with safety training and job coach support that their chances of success and sustainable employment are much higher."

The Construction Careers Projects in Regina, Prince Albert and Saskatoon have received nearly $3.2 million from the province since the first project started in Regina in 1999. On average each year, approximately 1,000 individuals participate in services and programs leading to work in the construction trade and toward certification. Close to 500 are now indentured.

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For More Information, Contact:

Herman Hulshof Advanced Education and Employment Regina Phone: (306)787-9715 Email: hhulshof@sasked.gov.sk.ca Cell: (306)526-6815