EMPLOYERS SUPPORT SASKATCHEWAN YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP INDUSTRY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Saskatchewan industry continues to provide opportunities for youth who enter the skilled trades.

Over the past two years, 19 industry organizations have donated $150,000 to the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) Industry Scholarship.  Their generous support provides opportunities for youth who have graduated from the SYA program and enter into apprenticeship in one of the 47 designated trades and 23 subtrades.

“The SYA Industry Scholarship Program is an opportunity to encourage young people to enter the skilled trades, where they can realize many career options,” Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) Board Chair Garry Kot said.  “The SATCC is very thankful to industry for their generous donations to the scholarship fund.  This is a way for industry to give back to apprenticeship and trade certification and to help grow the skilled trades workforce.”

Twelve companies that have each contributed at least $10,000 to the scholarship program include:

• Breck Scaffold Solutions (2009)
• Canada West Equipment Dealers Association
• Husky Energy Inc.
• K+S Potash Canada GP
• Korpan Tractor and Parts
• Moose Jaw Construction Association
• Mosaic Canada ULC
• Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan Inc. ($20,000)
• Prairie Mines & Royalty Ltd.
• Saskatchewan Construction Association ($20,000)
• The Taylor Automotive Group
• W. Hunter Electric (2005) Ltd.

An additional seven companies have donated at least $1,000 to the scholarship:

• All-Rite Plumbing and Heating Ltd.
• CAF-FCA Conference ($2,000)
• Pagnotta Industries Inc.
• Pro-Western Mechanical Ltd.
• Thyssen Mining Construction of Canada Ltd.
• United Association of Plumbers & Pipefitters Local #179
• Yara International ASA (Yara Belle Plaine Inc.) ($3,000)

In 2013, the scholarship will provide 80, $1,000 scholarships to eligible high school graduates who complete the SYA program.  Since the program was initiated in 2009 by the SATCC and industry partners, 36 organizations have donated $510,000.  The Government of Saskatchewan also contributes to the program, which profiles the skilled trades as first choice careers for high school graduates.

“The Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship Program is an excellent example of the kind of public/private collaboration our province needs to create a workforce that will meet labour market needs and drive the provincial economy forward,” Economy Minister Bill Boyd said.  “The sponsors honoured here today represent a significant commitment to building a long-term sustainable apprenticeship training program in Saskatchewan and we applaud them for their support.”
 
The SYA program encourages high school students to explore career opportunities in the skilled trades by providing awareness, research and hands-on experience.

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

-30-

For more information, contact:

Julie Folk
Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0187
Email: julie.folk@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-4692