SIIT TO EXAMINE FIRST NATIONS LABOUR MARKET POTENTIAL

Canada's largest First Nations technical training institution is embarking on a study to address the provincial manufacturing sector's present high demand for skilled labour.

The Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) is receiving a grant of $49,000 from Saskatchewan Industry and Resources to examine the provincial labour market. SIIT will determine what training is most required, hold an industry roundtable with First Nations leaders, and encourage First Nations people to pursue careers in manufacturing.

SIIT is also undertaking a new pilot project in conjunction with Hitachi and other provincial manufacturers aimed at improving the supply and sequence of much-needed welding tradespeople.

"An adequate supply of skilled labour is vital for supporting the continued success and growth of Saskatchewan's manufacturing sector," Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said. "SIIT is uniquely positioned to take a lead role in linking First Nations people to jobs. This effort, along with other initiatives undertaken by the province such as business tax reductions, will help grow the manufacturing sector."

Saskatchewan's manufacturing shipments in the past two years posted the first- and second-highest growth rates respectively among the provinces, and the sector contributed $2.3 billion to the provincial real GDP in 2005. It features some of Saskatchewan's most innovative companies, highest-paying jobs and most advanced technology, and the government is collaborating closely with industry partners to address the ongoing labour shortage being experienced throughout Western Canada.

Based in Saskatoon with a total of nine campuses across the province, SIIT already offers a Construction Career program designed to introduce First Nations students to the construction trades. Earlier this spring, the institution received increased funding to boost the capacity of its Adult Basic Education program.

SIIT has received international support for labour force development. In August 2005, Boeing, the world's largest aerospace manufacturer, donated 330 new computers to SIIT along with accompanying hardware and software. Boeing also provided database management training for SIIT instructors through a partnership with Washington University.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jamie Shanks Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-1691 Email: jshanks@ir.gov.sk.ca

Randell Morris SIIT Saskatoon Phone: (306) 244-4444