Released on July 23, 2004
A Pre-Trades Plumbing course is being credited with successfully connecting Aboriginal young people to jobs as apprentice plumbers.The construction industry and training institutions have partnered to provide a program that helps unemployed and underemployed aboriginal youth gain valuable experience and training in the construction trades as a first step in the apprenticeship program.
"This program is an excellent example of a partnership between community-based organizations, training institutions and the construction industry that is helping provide skilled workers," Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford said while addressing program graduates at a ceremony held in Regina. "I want to acknowledge the dedication and hard work of the 11 successful graduates as they start a career in the trades. Our government is committed to helping young people connect with jobs and build their futures here in Saskatchewan."
"The Saskatchewan Construction Association and its member companies are very pleased to participate in Construction Career Projects," Saskatchewan Construction Association Executive Director Michael Fougere said. "Construction Career Projects is an excellent partnership that sees eager and enthusiastic workers become trained in a career in the construction industry. We all know that there are shortages of skilled workers. Construction Careers is a big part of identifying and helping to train workers to meet this demand. The Saskatchewan Construction Association wishes the graduates in the pre-trade plumbing course every success in the future."
The course is part of efforts to increase the participation and success rates of Aboriginal people in the construction workforce. The course provides Level I Apprenticeship Plumbing training, a two-week work placement, enrollment in the apprentice program and assistance in finding employment. A majority of program graduates already have job offers in the construction sector and are expecting to start work in the next few weeks.
The program was arranged through a broad partnership that includes the Mechanical Contractors Association, United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 179, Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, SIAST, Construction Careers Regina and Saskatchewan Provincial Pipe Trades Association. Funding for the course was provided by the Aboriginal Apprenticeship Initiative of the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission, Saskatchewan Learning Quick Skills Funding and Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Janet Miller Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306)787-0531 | Michael Fougere Saskatchewan Construction Association Regina Phone: (306)539-8454 |