Released on July 9, 2013
The Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) Industry Scholarship program fast tracks the futures of eighty high school graduates with a $1,000 scholarship.
The scholarships, provided to those who complete SYA in high school and are planning to enter into a skilled trade, motivate students to create a rewarding career through apprenticeship in the 47 designated trades and 23 subtrades.
“The scholarships provide financial incentives as well as the opportunity for students to learn more about the skilled trades,” SATCC Board Chair Garry Kot said. “They also demonstrate the collaboration between industry and the Government of Saskatchewan in supporting our youth and meeting Saskatchewan’s labour market needs.”
The scholarships were initiated in 2009-10 by industry partners and the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC). To date, 39 industry partners, including business owners, labour organizations, and two provincial government agencies have contributed $951,000 to the scholarship fund.
“These students have started on their way to successful careers in the trades and we offer our congratulations on their achievements,” Minister responsible for SATCC Bill Boyd said. “This is one of the initiatives we have in place to ensure skilled trades will be available to support our province’s growing economy.”
The SATCC selects the schools that receive the SYA Industry Scholarship and the school selects the scholarship winner. To qualify for the scholarship, the graduate must complete high school and the SYA program, as well as complete one level of apprenticeship or one year of post-secondary training in a designated skilled trade.
The SYA Program enables high school students to explore career opportunities in the skilled trades and obtain hands-on experience. Program participation is increasing. Currently, 278 schools are registered in the SYA Program, with over 3,700 students participating. Since the SYA Program's inception in 2006-07, over 13,000 students in grades 10-12 have registered and over 4,200 have completed the program and received certificates. Of this total, 624 have registered as Saskatchewan apprentices. To date, 86 SYA participants have achieved journeyperson status.
For information about the benefits of the SYA Program, or on how to contribute to the SYA Industry Scholarship Program, visit www.saskapprenticeship.ca, call 1-877-363-0536 like us on Facebook at Sask Apprenticeship or follow us on twitter @SKApprentice.
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For more information, contact:
Julie Folk
Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0187
Email: julie.folk@gov.sk.ca