Five local graduates were part of the 100 graduating high school students in 72 communities across the province to receive a Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) Industry Scholarship.Those five local youth are:
- Cody Kearnan (Delisle Composite School), who earned the WarDale Equipment 1998 LTD and his trade of interest is Automotive Service Technician / Agricultural Equipment Technician
- Ethan Leitch (Martensville High School, who earned the Industry Scholarship and his trade of interest is Agricultural Equipment Technician
- Gabe Dyck (Martensville High School), who earned the Industry Scholarship and his trade of interest is Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
- Aiden Nelson (Warman High School), who earned the Peak Mechanical Partnership Award of Excellence Scholarship and his trade of interest is Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
- Scott Truitt (Dalmeny High School), who earned the Saskatchewan Construction Association Scholarship and his trade of interest is Heavy Duty Equipment Technician / Welder
The scholarships, redeemable for $1,000 each, are issued within two years of graduation only once recipients demonstrate they are actively pursuing a career in the skilled trades – either by registering as an apprentice and completing Level 1 technical training or by completing a pre-employment course in a trade designated in Saskatchewan.
“The skilled trades are essential to our province’s economic growth,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes how important it is to build a diverse skilled trades workforce, one that is responsive to industry’s needs. Congratulations to the scholarship winners. We wish you all the best as you embark on your career paths.”
Every year, educators who oversee SYA in their schools are invited to nominate at least one graduating student for the SYA Industry Scholarship. The SATCC also seeks nominations from the Regina District Industry Education Council, the Regina Trades and Skills Centre and the Saskatoon Industry-Education Council.
Scholarship recipients must finish the SYA program, which exposes students to opportunities in the skilled trades. Students complete 12 activities, including interviewing a journeyperson, researching and writing a report on a designated trade and completing the Young Worker Readiness Certificate Course. Students who complete SYA and register as apprentices in Saskatchewan within five years of graduation receive valuable benefits. Their apprenticeship registration fee is waived; Level 1 technical training tuition is waived; and they receive 300 trade time hours.
The scholarship program, launched in 2009 and overseen by the SATCC, relies on the continued investment of industry sponsors. To date, 59 sponsors have invested almost $750,000 in the fund.
The Government of Saskatchewan has also invested through the Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunities Scholarship, bringing total contributions to nearly $1.28 million.
“The Commission Board of Directors is proud of industry’s significant investment in the SYA Industry Scholarship fund,” SATCC Board Chair Drew Tiefenbach said. “Their contributions ensure we can continue to encourage students to pursue apprenticeships and careers in the skilled trades. We appreciate their generosity and support.”
Currently, more than 300 schools and more than 4,000 students are registered in the SYA program. Participation continues to grow. Student enrollment in 2019-20 increased by 26 per cent over 2018-19.
To learn more about the SYA program, please visit www.saskapprenticeship.ca/youth_apprentices or call 1-877-363-0536.