Released on September 21, 2020
Today, the Government of Saskatchewan announced annual funding of $24.2 million to the eight regional colleges in the province for skills training programs.
The funding allows the Colleges to deliver a variety of education and skills training programs including Adult Basic Education (ABE), both off and on-reserve, Essential Skills for the Workplace (ESWP), as well as the Skills Training Allocation. ABE and ESWP programs provide adult learners with basic employment skills and workplace experience that leads to either further training or attachment to the labour market.
The Skills Training Allocation provides access to accredited training programs that meet the labour market needs of employers across various sectors of the provincial economy. Funding is also provided to support the delivery of language training programs.
“The Government of Saskatchewan has been working with our industries to deliver real training opportunities that make sense for our labour market and those careers in demand,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “We want to see more people actively engaged in the workforce, which benefits individuals, families, and communities right across our province. The programs our regional colleges will deliver with this funding, from basic skills programs to language training, will support individuals as they pursue further education and move into employment opportunities in Saskatchewan.”
Carlton Trail College, $1.9 million
“Ongoing training and education is critical in today’s market to increase one’s employability and skills,” Carlton Trail College President and CEO Shelley Romanyszyn-Cross said. “This funding will help Carlton Trail College continue its commitment to reskill and upskill future workers to meet Saskatchewan’s evolving labour market demands.”
Cumberland College, $2.4 million
“Cumberland College is very grateful to the Government of Saskatchewan for providing this level of funding in a challenging fiscal environment,” Cumberland College President and CEO Mark Hoddenbagh said. “Dealing with the pandemic has had a large impact on our operations and this annual funding is enabling us to maintain continuity in our programming for adult learners who are seeking to attain Grade 12 equivalency and further develop their employability skills.”
Great Plains College, $2.8 million
“We thank the provincial government for their timely and effective response under the COVID-19 conditions, as demand for these programs continues to grow in our service region,” Great Plains College President and CEO David Keast said. “With this funding, the College will continue to meet the labour market needs of businesses and industry in rural parts of the province.”
Lakeland College, $1.1 million
“Lifelong learning is invaluable to our community, and Lakeland College is committed to providing essential programming and integrated learning experiences to meet the needs of our diverse learners,” Lakeland College President and CEO Dr. Alice Wainwright-Stewart said. “Education is an avenue to new career opportunities. From adult basic education to graduating with a post-secondary credential and the essential skills they need to excel in the workplace, our many accredited programs are designed to support our students on every step of their education journey. It is more important now than it ever has been that our community come together to look for innovative ways to ensure our students are equipped to find their way in the workforce, and we are so pleased that the Government of Saskatchewan is supporting us in this endeavor.”
North West College, $4.5 million
“North West College is very pleased with this funding announcement as it aligns directly with our continued and vigilant focus to provide current and relevant programming to not only meet the needs of our respective communities, but also provide access to and support those students that are representative of Saskatchewan’s most vulnerable populations,” North West College President and CEO Jay Notay said.
Northlands College, $6 million
“Northlands College is very pleased to receive this continued and significant level of funding for Skills Training programming from the government of Saskatchewan,” Northlands College President and CEO Guy Penney said. “The College identifies this funding commitment from the province as being instrumental in enabling our institution to continue to meet the training needs of northerners.”
Parkland College, $2.8 million
“This is wonderful news for Parkland College, given the operational pressures resulting from the pandemic and the fiscal pressures on the Government of Saskatchewan,” Parkland College President and CEO Mark Hoddenbagh said. “We thank the government for this funding which supports our adult learners as they further their education and enhance their employability skills.”
Southeast College, $2.7 million
“We are very pleased with the funding announcement that allows Southeast College to continue offering these vital programs to our students,” Southeast College President and CEO Patrick Stoddart said. “Continued funding such as this allows for us to prepare and carry out multiyear plans that benefit both students and labour markets in southeast Saskatchewan.”
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For more information, contact:
Robin Speer
Immigration and Career Training
Regina
Phone: 306-519-5006
Email: robin.speer@gov.sk.ca