Released on November 13, 2013
The Saskatchewan apprenticeship system is delivering more journeypersons to the Saskatchewan labour force in part due to sustaining or improving completion rates.
The Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) has undertaken research into Real Completion Rates (RCR) and found there is a positive story to tell in Saskatchewan.
“I’m very pleased to report that the apprenticeship system continues to do its job in increasing the number of journeypersons in Saskatchewan,” SATCC Board of Directors Chair Garry Kot said. “Through the hard work and partnerships between the SATCC, industry, government, educators and apprentices, Saskatchewan continues to produce many skilled journeypersons.”
“The apprenticeship system is a proven, effective system to produce high quality journeypersons,” Minister responsible for the SATCC Bill Boyd said. “This study proves that the system has become even more efficient in providing skilled tradespeople to work in the Saskatchewan economy.”
The average total RCR for all trades analyzed over a nine-year period is 59 per cent. In 2012-13, this number was 65 per cent, showing the increase in the number of apprentices completing their programs each year.
This calculation is determined by dividing the number of apprentices who achieve journeyperson status (within two years after the expected end of their program) by the number of apprentices who complete their Level 1 apprenticeship.
The RCR nine year average for compulsory trades as a group was 64 per cent; for non-compulsory trades, the average was 59 per cent.
In 2012-13, the total RCR for compulsory trades as a group was 74 per cent; for non-compulsory trades, it was 67 per cent.
“The statistics are certainly positive and much more accurately reflect the results we expected,” SATCC CEO Jeff Ritter said. “We will use this data in strategic and operational planning, and will continue our work toward increasing the completion rate in Saskatchewan.”
In addition, completion rates are staying constant or are rising slightly during this period of rapid growth and large demand, and most apprentices who complete do so within the expected time of four years.
“This is certainly a good news story for skilled trades in Saskatchewan,” Merit Contractors Saskatchewan Executive Director Karen Low said. “The SATCC has focused significant efforts on increasing completion rates in the designated trades, which is necessary to fill the skills gap in this province. We are pleased to also now have concrete data to work with as we look to the future.”
“The Saskatchewan Building Trades applaud the SATCC for conducting research on completion rates,” Saskatchewan Building Trades Business Manager Terry Parker said. “Saskatchewan employers are pressed for skilled workers and the building trades are interested in working with the SATCC to find ways to increase the number of people successfully completing their trades training. Having reliable information is a good first step to improving our completion rates.”
The research conducted by the SATCC will be updated each year when statistics become available.
For more detailed information, please see www.saskapprenticeship.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Completion-Rates-Presentation-13-11-08.pdf.
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For more information, contact:
Julie Folk
Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0187
Email: julie.folk@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-4692