May 10, 2011 – More youth apprentices will benefit from the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) Industry Scholarship Program thanks to the support of 17 industry organizations totalling $350,000. 15 companies that have each contributed $10,000 to the scholarship program include:

• Allan Construction Alliance Energy Ltd.
• Christie Mechanical Ltd.
• General Contractors Association of Saskatchewan
• GESCAN Division of Sonepar Canada Inc.
• Merit Contractors Association Inc.
• Peak Mechanical Partnership
• Prince Albert Construction Association
• RNF Ventures Ltd.
• Saskatchewan Construction Association
• Saskatchewan Provincial Building & Construction Trades Council
• Sheet Metal Workers Local 296
• Saskatchewan Sun Electric (1975) Ltd.
• Wallace Construction Specialties Ltd.
• Westridge Construction Ltd.

As well, two companies have each contributed $100,000: EECOL Electric and PCL Construction Management Inc.

“Saskatchewan has a growing need for tradespersons,” said Rob Norris, minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission. “Thanks to the investments made by these industry organizations, the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship Industry Scholarship Program will help attract high school students into apprenticeships, helping them build careers and stay in Saskatchewan.”

The scholarship was initiated by industry partners and the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) to profile skilled trades as first choice careers for high school graduates. It provides forty $1000 scholarships each June to eligible high school graduates who have completed the SYA program.

“The SATCC is thrilled with the success of the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) Industry Scholarship Program, supported by industry partners and the SATCC,” SATCC Board Chair Garry Kot said. “The scholarship fund is a way for industry to give back to apprenticeship training and trade certification. It is essential that we encourage Saskatchewan youth to become more aware of the wonderful career opportunities in the skilled trades. These scholarships mirror the great support and success we’ve already experienced with the SYA Program.”

“Our member companies know the importance of attracting skilled labour to move our industry and our province forward,” said Michael Fougere, executive director of the Saskatchewan Construction Association. “Providing scholarships to our youth is an important tool in the tool box that will help attract youth into the construction trades where there are solid and rewarding careers.”

The SYA Program allows high school students to explore career opportunities in the skilled trades by providing awareness, research and hands-on experience. Interest in the SYA Program continues to grow since it was first offered province-wide in the 2006-07 school year.

As of March 31, 2011, 249 schools were registered in the SYA Program, with 4510 students participating (about 2600 females and 1910 males). Since the program’s inception, 8441 students in grades 10-12 have registered and a total of 2505 graduates have received certificates. Of these, 291 have registered as Saskatchewan apprentices. Seven former SYA participants have achieved journeyperson status.

Employers and industry associations interested in contributing to the SYA Industry Scholarship Program are encouraged to contact the SATCC at (877) 363-0536.