SURVEY SHOWS MOST SASKATCHEWAN GRADUATES STAYING AND WORKING IN THE PROVINCE

The first survey of graduates from all of Saskatchewan's post-secondary education and training institutions shows 96.75 per cent employment, with an average annual income of $41,061. When surveyed, 88.3 per cent were employed with another 8.8 per cent taking further studies or choosing to stay at home. Their unemployment rate was 3.25 per cent during months that the overall provincial unemployment rate was 4.1 per cent, underlining the value of post-secondary education and training. The graduates of the 2004-05 academic year were surveyed between December 2006 and January 2007. Eighty five per cent of the graduates had remained in Saskatchewan.

"Saskatchewan has abundant career opportunities," Advanced Education and Employment Minister Warren McCall said. "The results of this survey show more than success in the Saskatchewan job market. They also indicate a high level of satisfaction with the quality of teaching and the relevance of the course content of our post-secondary programs. Our significant new investments in post-secondary education and training are enhancing our already high quality system, and make the programs available to even more learners. It is a priority for my government that Saskatchewan people are able to take full advantage of education and training, so they can build their career and future here while supporting our hot economy."

Saskatchewan's post-secondary institutions have about 12,000 graduates every year in universities, SIAST, private vocational schools, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies and apprenticeship. The survey results show that regional delivery of post-secondary education and training encourages participation, particularly for Aboriginal students and those pursuing trade/vocational careers. These graduates are also among the most satisfied with their programs.

Saskatchewan's new Graduate Tax Exemption will encourage even more of Saskatchewan's graduates, as well as graduates from other provinces, to start their careers in this province. The exemption results in new graduates qualifying for a Saskatchewan tax reduction of $1,100 per year, or $5,500 in total over the full eligibility period, making Saskatchewan's tax system very competitive with other jurisdictions during the early years of a person's career development.

The survey was conducted by Insightrix Research, Inc. of Saskatoon. The costs of the survey were paid by the Special Investment Fund of Human Resources and Social Development Canada.

To view the full survey at http://www.aee.gov.sk.ca/graduate-outcomes.

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For more information, contact:

Terry White
Advanced Education and Employment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-7791
Email: twhite@sasked.gov.sk.ca