Released on September 30, 2011
Thirty-two completing apprentices, newly certified as journeypersons, will receive awards for their outstanding achievements in the skilled trades in an awards ceremony tonight. Hosted annually by the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC), the awards recognize the top achievers from among the nearly 1,600 new journeypersons certified in the 47 trades in Saskatchewan between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011.
"Saskatchewan has a growing need for skilled tradespersons to meet the demands of the economy and labour market," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Bill Hutchinson said on behalf of Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris. "The 32 exceptional new journeypersons will be valuable additions to the province's workforce, allowing them to experience the Saskatchewan Advantage first-hand."
Increased awareness of fantastic career opportunities available in the skilled trades, coupled with the strength of Saskatchewan's economy, has resulted in steady growth in apprenticeship numbers. The total number of apprentices registered with the SATCC rose to 9,442 in 2010-11 representing a 3.3 per cent increase over the previous year and a 39.3 per cent increase since 2006-07.
"Interest in apprenticeship training and trade certification continues to grow year after year," SATCC Board Chair Garry Kot said. "More employers are recognizing that workers who register in and complete apprenticeship training programs acquire skills and experience that add to the productivity and competitiveness of their businesses. This year, employers continue to demonstrate their support for apprentices with industry scholarships."
Fourteen industry associations will provide scholarships or awards recognizing outstanding new journeyperson achievement in 13 skilled trades. In addition, five apprentices will be recognized for achieving gold medals in the provincial Skills Canada competitions in Moose Jaw and Regina in April 2011.
Participation in the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) Program remains at high levels in Saskatchewan high schools. More than 255 high schools now offer the program, and nearly 3,900 students currently participate. As a direct result, 318 graduates of the SYA Program are now registered with employers as apprentices, earning better than average wages as they complete the requirements for trade certification.
Photos of all journeypersons in attendance will be available.
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For more information, contact:
Audrey Wolf-Kaminski
SATCC
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5284
Email: audrey.wolf@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-8258