IMPROVING THE SASKATCHEWAN APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM

Released on May 10, 2002

The Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission today released their

plan to meet and sustain the growing demand for apprenticeship training and

respond to the needs of employers for skilled workers.



"With a 50 per cent increase in apprenticeship training during the last

five years, industry is very committed to maintain a high quality,

responsive system that meets industry standards of excellence, while

comparing favourably with other provinces," Commission Chair Paul McLellan

said.



The Commission's plan, which will be implemented on July 1, 2002, will

generate $1 million annually within five years through: new fees for

employers to register apprentices; tuition for technical training; fees for

tradesperson certification; and fees for examinations and other services.

The fees will generate approximately 10 per cent of the Commissions

operating budget with the remainder provided by the Government of

Saskatchewan, through the Department of Learning.



The new revenue will be used to: improve client services; purchase

technical training; maintain current industry standards for training and

certification; increase rural services with the re-opening of a district

office in Estevan; improve service in the Moose Jaw and Prince Albert

offices; and increase service at employer work sites.



"Employers and employees told us they support the revenue generation plan.

The investment will ensure workers are highly skilled, and highly skilled

workers mean employers can offer quality products and services that are

competitive and profitable," McLellan said.



McLellan also noted that new journeypersons are eligible for the $350

Provincial Graduate Tax Credit and employers are eligible for business

expense deductions.



The Commission consulted extensively with trade boards, employer and

employee organizations, trainers and equity groups throughout 2001 when

developing the revenue generation plan.



Industry assumed greater responsibility for apprenticeship training through

the Apprenticeship Commission in the fall of 1999. Their mandate includes

generating revenue to meet the growing demand for training; ensuring

training is responsive and effective for employers and apprentices;

maintaining sustainability under continued growth; and leveraging funding.



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For more information, contact:



Bob Guthrie

Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-2093