APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING ALLOWANCE RATES INCREASE

Effective July 1, 2011, Saskatchewan Apprentices will receive an increase in the allowance they receive when living away from home to attend technical training.

The Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration on the recommendation of the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) has increased the Apprenticeship Training Allowance (ATA) - Living Away from Home Allowance Rate.

The new rates will provide additional funding to apprentices to meet the rising costs of maintaining a second residence while they are attending technical training. The new rates for apprentices will increase from $94 per week to $125 per week. The rate for apprentices whose principal or secondary residence is located in the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District will increase from $125 per week to $175 per week.

"Saskatchewan has a growing need for skilled tradespersons to meet the demands of the economy and labour market," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "Our government wants to ensure our learners have the supports they need to excel in their training. The increases to the living allowance rates will help to address some of the costs many apprentices face while completing their training while away from home."

This is the first time since 1999 that these allowance rates have increased in Saskatchewan.

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For more information, contact:

Marieka Barrie
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3170