NEW INTERACTIVE CAREER DEVELOPMENT RESOURCE FOR SASKATCHEWAN STUDENTS

The Government of Saskatchewan is investing $150,000 over the next two years to make a Saskatchewan specific career education resource available to schools across the province. Assistant Deputy Minister Darren McKee made the announcement today on behalf of Deputy Premier and Education Minister Ken Krawetz when he joined staff and students from the Saskatchewan Rivers and Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Divisions at St. George School in Saskatoon to officially launch The Real Game-Saskatchewan, an online career development program.

"The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to promoting career education, entrepreneurial education and business literacy," McKee said. "The Real Game-Saskatchewan allows students to explore career and life management skills, while helping prepare students to take full advantage of the many opportunities available to them in our province."

Saskatchewan is the first province to customize The Real Game. The Saskatchewan version brings career and life planning into the classroom, while reflecting the province's unique economic and labour market realities, as well as social and cultural perspectives.

The Real Game-Saskatchewan was developed and piloted by the Greater Saskatoon Catholic School Division and the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division, in collaboration with the National Life/Work Centre and Junior Achievement Saskatchewan. The pilot project was funded through the Ministry of Education's Career Development Action Plan for Schools.

"I'm proud to celebrate the initiative and hard work of the educators who have created the Saskatchewan version of this important resource," Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools Board of Education chair Diane Boyko said. "This project helps achieve one of our board of education's key goals: supporting smooth transitions for students of all ages. Helping young people choose a rewarding career is an important part of helping them find their place in the world."

"Saskatchewan Rivers School Division is pleased to be a part of an initiative that allows students to make choices about their future lifestyles based on possible job or career choices," Saskatchewan Rivers School Division Superintendent of Schools Maureen Taylor said. "We believe the Saskatchewan version of The Real Game is a positive step in preparing students to be contributing members of Saskatchewan's future."

"Saskatchewan's commitment to the career development of its youth is truly exemplary," National Life/Work Centre Vice-President of Global Partnerships Phil Jarvis said. "Congratulations to everyone who contributed to this first provincial edition of The Real Game to help students realize their career dreams in Saskatchewan."

"Junior Achievement is honoured to be involved in The Real Game-Saskatchewan," Junior Achievement of Saskatchewan president and CEO Darren Hill said. "Thank you to the many partners involved in this initiative that will enable Junior Achievement to deliver programs to students across Saskatchewan and enable our youth to develop lifelong skills and abilities."

Following today's launch, all provincially funded schools with Grade 7 and 8 student enrolment will be provided with access to the two year site license to The Real Game-Saskatchewan.

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For more information, contact:

Jacquie McLean
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5609
Email: jacquie.mclean@gov.sk.ca