Released on June 22, 2020
In alignment with the Government of Saskatchewan’s Re-Open Saskatchewan plan, the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) is gradually re-starting services that were paused due to COVID-19. Journeyperson certification examinations and psychoeducational assessments will be scheduled again, beginning this week.“The first apprenticeship and certification services to resume are the ones in highest demand,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “Re-starting these services gives apprentices and tradespeople the ability to achieve journeyperson certification – at a time when certified tradespeople will be essential to our province’s economic recovery following this pandemic.”
Apprentices and tradespeople whose exams were cancelled as a result of COVID-19 will be the first to have their exams rescheduled. Exams will take place at third-party locations to ensure there is enough room for appropriate physical distancing.
Psychoeducational assessments are performed by the SATCC’s registered psychologist to determine whether an apprentice has a disability requiring accommodations during apprenticeship technical training or examinations. Like with exams, assessments will occur at third-party locations to ensure there is enough room for appropriate physical distancing.
The next steps include resuming face-to-face counter services for clients later in the summer and technical training in the fall. The SATCC is currently working with its training providers – including its largest provider, Saskatchewan Polytechnic – to determine the delivery approach for each trade. In many cases, training will be delivered using a hybrid training model, a combination of online and in-person learning.
Apprentices will complete the theoretical portions of their training online and the hands-on, practical components on campus in a shop setting.
“Our top priority is safety for our employees and clients,” SATCC CEO Jeff Ritter said. “That’s why we’re re-starting services slowly and ensuring we’re closely following the direction of public health officials.”
In the meantime, SATCC offices remain closed to the public. However, staff members continue to serve clients remotely via telephone at 1-877-363-0536 and email at apprenticeship@gov.sk.ca.
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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