More apprentices will receive training as a result of a funding increase of $1.95 million to the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC). This year's budget increase includes $400,000 for a targeted initiative to bolster Aboriginal participation and success in apprenticeship training in the province.
The government is investing a total of $19.7 million in apprenticeship training in the 2010-11 budget.
"With more than 9,000 apprentices in Saskatchewan, our government recognizes the value of a strong and inclusive apprenticeship system in building Saskatchewan's economy," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "Providing quality training opportunities will help ensure greater success for our learners and allow employers in the province to train and retain qualified, skilled employees."
Saskatchewan has experienced an unprecedented demand for skilled workers, with the number of registered apprentices rising to more than 9,000, up from 5,400 just four years earlier. Available apprenticeship training seats are at 5,869 this year, an increase of more than 2,000 from two years ago.
"PCL is pleased to see continued support for our apprenticeship programs, as they are a vital link to the health of our industry," PCL Construction Management Inc. (Saskatchewan) District Manager Kris Hildebrand said.
"The Commission is registering an average of about 220 new apprentices each month," SATCC Commission Board Chair Garry Kot said. "The increase in funding will help ensure that we have the technical training capacity to develop a skilled labour force to meet the demands of a rapidly expanding economy."
Last week the government announced changes to The Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Regulations, 2003 that allow employers to hire additional employees by changing the ratio of apprentices to journeypersons in certain trades.
