TRAINING PARTNERSHIP GRADUATES GAIN EMPLOYMENT

Nine students from the first class of the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies' (SIIT) Process Operator Training Program recently graduated in Meadow Lake. Seven of the graduates are employed in the Meadow Lake Oriented Strand Board Plant that will begin production in August.

The SIIT Process Operator Program is partially funded by the Forestry Training Sub-Committee that receives funding from Saskatchewan Learning. Other program funding is provided by SIIT.

"Saskatchewan Learning has a responsibility to assist individuals in achieving their academic and career aspirations by providing them with the skills they need to gain employment," Learning Minister Judy Junor said. "Funds we have provided to assist with forestry training clearly demonstrate our commitment to ensure that Saskatchewan residents are able to begin careers in Saskatchewan."

"The partnership approach to funding the program and the success of the graduates in obtaining training and employment in Saskatchewan reflects this government's commitment to support Aboriginal people," Junor added.

"The Forestry Training Sub-Committee is pleased to financially support training initiatives like SIIT's Process Operator Program that prepares residents of the commercial forest region for employment in the forest industry," Forestry Training Sub-Committee Chair Roman Orynik said.

The committee's mandate is to assist with training that is linked to existing and emerging employment opportunities in the forest sector. Its membership consists of forest companies, First Nations, Métis interests, post-secondary institutions, provincial and federal government departments and other stakeholders.

"The Process Operator Program is a valuable response to industry demand," SIIT President Joan Greyeyes said. "Locating the program in the North, and completing the training site with an industry-standard lab and boiler system, ensures northern access and provides a high quality training program that meets industry standards."

There is a high demand for skilled workers in forestry and related sectors. Process operators work in a variety of industrial settings including forestry, mining and industrial facilities. The SIIT program graduates have nationally recognized accreditation that enables them to build a successful career for themselves.

Over the past three years more than 500 Saskatchewan residents have participated in training funded by the Forestry Training Sub-Committee.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jim Ludwig Learning Prince Albert Phone: (306)953-2744

Guy Poncelet SIIT Saskatoon Phone: (306)244-4460