ACHIEVEMENTS OF NEW JOURNEYPERSONS RECOGNIZED

Thirty-one completing apprentices newly certified as journeypersons will receive an award for their outstanding achievement in the skilled trades. They are the top achievers from among the more than 1,200 new journeypersons certified in the 47 trades in Saskatchewan between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009.

"The apprenticeship training and trade certification system is vital for building Saskatchewan's future," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "These 31 new journeypersons have shown dedication to their trade and the significance of hard work. They will be valuable additions to Saskatchewan's workforce."

Increased awareness of great career opportunities available in the skilled trades, coupled with the strength of Saskatchewan's economy, has resulted in unprecedented growth in apprenticeship. The total number of apprentices registered rose to 8,924 in 2008-09 up from 5,436 in 2004-05, a 64 per cent increase in the last four years.

"More people are recognizing the great opportunities a career in the skilled trades can bring," Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) Board Chair Garry Kot said. "Employers are also recognizing the benefits skilled workers add to their productivity and competitiveness. This is evidenced by the growing number of industry scholarships presented this year."

Fourteen industry associations will provide scholarships or awards recognizing outstanding journeyperson achievement in 15 skilled trades. In addition, six apprentices will be recognized for achieving gold medals in the provincial Skills Canada competitions in Regina in April 2009.

The Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship Program continues to build momentum in high schools. More than 210 high schools now offer the program, more than 4,100 students are currently participating, and almost 140 have registered as apprentices as a result of the program.

The year 2009 marks three significant apprenticeship anniversaries - 65 years of apprenticeship training in Saskatchewan, 50 years since the first Interprovincial Standards Red Seal endorsement was issued in Canada, and 10 years since the industry-led SATCC was formed.

Photos will be available of all journeypersons in attendance.

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For more information, contact:

Audrey Wolf-Kaminski
Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Commission
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5284
Email: audrey.wolf@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-8258