Released on June 6, 2011
Forty high school graduates were awarded $1,000 each from the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) Industry Scholarship Program to provide assistance as they embark on careers in the skilled trades. These young people have completed the SYA Program and have met the scholarship criteria.
The scholarships were initiated by industry partners and the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) to encourage interested high school graduates to enter into the skilled trades as "first choice" careers. To date, 17 industry partners (business owners and labour) and two provincial government agencies have contributed nearly one-half million dollars into the scholarship fund.
"Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "This important scholarship program helps attract new apprentices directly from high school to help meet Saskatchewan's growing need for tradespersons."
"Congratulations to these 40 youth apprentices as they enter into rewarding careers in the skilled trades," Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission Board Chair Garry Kot said. "We are delighted that so many youth are reaping the benefits of the SYA Program and that so many industry groups are stepping up to support the scholarship program, in addition to hiring and training apprentices. It's a win-win situation all around."
The SYA Program enables high school students to explore career opportunities in the skilled trades by encouraging interest and facilitating hands-on experience. Student participation remains high. Currently there are approximately 250 schools registered in the SYA Program, with over 4,600 students participating. Since the program's inception, more than 8,500 students in grades 10-12 have registered and over 2,500 have completed the program and received certificates. Of these, over 300 have registered as Saskatchewan apprentices. To date, seven SYA participants have achieved journeyperson status.
The SATCC selects the schools that receive the SYA Industry Scholarship and the school selects the scholarship winner. In order to receive the award, the graduate must complete one level of apprenticeship or complete one year of post-secondary training in a designated skilled trade.
For information about the benefits of the SYA Program, or on how to contribute to the SYA Industry Scholarship Fund, visit www.saskapprenticeship.ca or call 1-877-363-0536.
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For more information, contact:
Audrey Wolf-Kaminski
Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5284
Email: audrey.wolf@gov.sk.ca