MAJOR EXPANSION FOR SIAST IN SASKATOON

Students at SIAST in Saskatoon will soon have a little more elbow room, thanks to a $14 million capital investment by the Government of Saskatchewan.

The investment allows for the purchase and renovation of the 3,500 square metre (37,000 square foot) building at 1302 Ontario Avenue in Saskatoon, formerly owned by SaskPower.

"SIAST has done tremendous work to deliver increasing numbers of training opportunities, despite, in some cases, having limited space to do so," Advanced Education and Employment Minister Warren McCall said. "Capital improvements like this one will allow the province's training system to increase its long-term capacity to respond to skilled labour shortages in numerous sectors."

When the new space opens in September 2008, learners in construction trades, steel fabrication, electrical, masonry and emergency medical technician training programs will start moving into the building.

The new facility will also house classrooms and support services for students and staff.

"Expanding into this facility will significantly enhance our ability to respond to labour force development needs," SIAST president and CEO Dr. Bob McCulloch said. "It is very positive news for future students and their eventual employers."

Since the 2005-06 fiscal year, the province has created more than 6,000 new ongoing training opportunities for Saskatchewan learners.

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For more information, contact:

Christopher Jones-Bonk
Advanced Education and Employment
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3106
Email: cjonesbonk@sasked.gov.sk.ca