Released on June 20, 2019
One hundred graduating high school students from 72 communities across Saskatchewan received Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) Industry Scholarships this year.In order to be eligible for the scholarship, students much complete the SYA program and plan to embark on a career in the skilled trades.
Overseen by the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC), SYA gives students the opportunity to learn more about apprenticeship and the skilled trades. Activities range from completing practical and applied arts courses to interviewing a journeyperson to completing at least one day of on-the-job work experience.
“The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to developing a workforce that is industry-ready, trained and certified, and that meets the needs of our evolving labour market,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “We wish the students who have received SYA Industry Scholarships success in their future careers, and look forward to them becoming Saskatchewan’s business leaders of tomorrow.”
The SYA Industry Scholarship program is unique. In order to redeem the $1,000, students must demonstrate they’re actively pursuing a career in the skilled trades within two years of graduation – either by completing a pre-employment program or by registering as an apprentice in Saskatchewan and successfully completing Level 1 technical training.
Tesa Sloan, graduating from Cut Knife High School in June, plans to start a career as an Automotive Painter.
“I am honoured to receive a Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship Industry Scholarship,” Sloan said. “I am looking forward to working in the automotive painter trade, and everything else that accompanies it. This scholarship is exactly what I need to get on my feet and pursue my dream. A special thanks to all the people who supported me through the years.”
Every year, educators co-ordinating SYA in their schools are invited to nominate at least one SYA graduate from their school. The SATCC also collects nominations from the Regina Industry Education Council, the Saskatoon Industry Education Council and the Regina Trades and Skills Centre. Since the scholarship launched in 2009, 56 industry sponsors have committed $740,000 to the fund.
The Government of Saskatchewan has also invested through the Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunities Scholarship, bringing total contributions to $1.27 million.
“On behalf of the commission board of directors, congratulations to all of the scholarship recipients,” SATCC Board Chair Drew Tiefenbach said. “I also want to thank all of the industry sponsors. By supporting this scholarship, you help encourage our province’s young people to consider a skilled trades career.”
Students who complete SYA receive significant benefits. If SYA graduates register as apprentices within five years of graduation, their apprenticeship registration fee is waived, their Level 1 technical training tuition is waived and they receive 300 trade time hours. The SYA program has grown significantly over the last year.
At the end of 2017-18, there were more than 2,500 students enrolled. Currently, there are more than 3,300 students enrolled – an increase of 30 per cent.
To learn more about the SYA Program, please visit www.saskapprenticeship.ca/youth_apprentices or call 1-877-363-0536.
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For more information, contact:
Chelsea Coupal
Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0187
Email: chelsea.coupal@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-4692