SASKATCHEWAN YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP INDUSTRY SCHOLARSHIPS ANNOUNCED

A new scholarship program was announced today to encourage high school graduates to enter productive careers in the skilled trades. Forty scholarships worth $1,000 each will be awarded every June to selected, eligible high school graduates who have completed the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) Program.

The scholarship was initiated by industry partners and the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) to profile skilled trades as first choice careers for high school graduates.

"Our government is pleased to provide $40,000 to help establish the new youth apprenticeship scholarship program," Minister responsible for the SATCC Rob Norris said. "Saskatchewan has a growing need for tradespersons, and the scholarship program will help to attract new apprentices directly from high school to help meet our labour market needs."

The first industry contribution to the scholarship fund was made by EECOL ELECTRIC.

"We are very proud to contribute $100,000 toward the SYA Industry Scholarship Fund," EECOL ELECTRIC Provincial General Manager Leo Moisan said. "Our workforce is aging and industry needs to do a better job of promoting the great careers that the skilled trades offer so that young people consider these wonderful opportunities. The scholarship program is a great start."

Saskatchewan Construction Association President Michael Fougere, believes the scholarship fund creates a win - win dynamic.

"The Saskatchewan Construction Association and its membership are thrilled to have spearheaded this initiative which, in the short term, will assist high school graduates to pursue their chosen careers and, in the longer term, provide our industry with the skilled trades people we need to keep the economy strong," Fougere said.

The SYA Program allows high school students to explore career opportunities in the skilled trades by providing awareness, research and hands-on experience. Interest in the SYA Program continues to grow since it was first offered province-wide in the 2006-07 school year. As of October 2009, 214 schools offer the SYA Program. More than 5,800 students are either currently enrolled and participating, or have graduated from the SYA Program. Since the program began, 146 graduates have registered directly into the skilled trades and have received the benefits of free registration ($150), free tuition for the first level of technical training and 100 hours of trade time credit for each SYA level completed.

Employers and industry associations interested in contributing to the SYA Industry Scholarship Program are encouraged to contact the SATCC at 1-877-363-0536.

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For more information, contact:

Lillie Wong
Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3965
Email: lillie.wong@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-0965

Marieka Barrie
Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3170
Email: marieka.barrie@gov.sk.ca