OUTSTANDING NEW JOURNEYPERSON ACHIEVEMENT RECOGNIZED

Fifty-six new journeypersons will receive an award for their outstanding achievement in the skilled trades tonight at the Eighth Annual Outstanding New Journeyperson awards. They are the top achievers from among the nearly 1,200 new journeypersons certified in the 50 trades in Saskatchewan between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008.

Increased awareness of great career opportunities available in the skilled trades, coupled with the economic boom and retiring baby boomers, has resulted in unprecedented growth in apprenticeship. The total number of apprentices registered rose to 8,130 in 2007-08 up from 5,436 in 2004-05, a 50 per cent increase in the last three years.

"The growing number of young people choosing skilled trades careers is fantastic news for our province," Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) board chair Paul McLellan said. "Youth and parents are recognizing the great career opportunities that the skilled trades bring, and employers are recognizing the benefits skilled workers make to their productivity and competitiveness in a hot business climate. Programs like the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship Program continue to build momentum in high schools."

Twelve industry associations will also provide scholarships or awards recognizing outstanding journeyperson achievement in 13 skilled trades. In addition, five apprentices will be recognized for achieving gold medals in the provincial Skills Canada competitions in Saskatoon in June 2008.

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For more information, contact:

Audrey Wolf-Kaminski
Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5284
Email: awolf@sasked.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-533-9231