The Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission has awarded Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship Industry Scholarships to 110 high school students from 68 communities across the province.
Each scholarship is valued at $1,000 and can be redeemed once recipients meet specific requirements. Students must, within two years of completing the SYA program, either register as apprentices in Saskatchewan and complete Level 1 technical training or complete a recognized pre-apprenticeship program in a designated trade in the province.
"Congratulations to the deserving recipients of this year's SYA Industry Scholarships," said Saskatchewan Immigration and Career Training Minister Eric Schmalz. "Skilled tradespeople are in high demand in Saskatchewan and essential to the growth of our province. Our government is committed to ensuring more young people pursue rewarding careers in the skilled trades."
The scholarships are awarded annually through nominations submitted by SYA Champions, the educators who oversee the SYA program in their schools. Nominees are selected based on their commitment to pursuing careers in the skilled trades after graduation.
"The SYA Industry Scholarship is a great bonus for youth entering the skilled trades in Saskatchewan," said SATCC CEO Jeff Ritter. "New apprenticeship registrations are increasing, and this is a positive indicator for high school graduates looking to start their careers in the skilled trades. Congratulations to this year's scholarship winners."
Since the scholarship program launched in 2009, more than 1,500 scholarships have been awarded. Sixty industry sponsors, including employers, industry associations and unions, along with the Government of Saskatchewan, have invested a total of $1.2 million into the scholarship fund.
The SYA program currently has more than 2,500 registered students. According to the SATCC, nearly 40 per cent of SYA graduates register as apprentices in Saskatchewan within five years of completing the program.
