Two newly minted journeypersons from the Northwest were among 32 completing apprentices, newly certified as journeypersons, who have earned awards for their outstanding achievements in the skilled trades.
Bricklayer Bradley Mann of North Battleford has earned an Outstanding Young Journeypersons award, while welder Nicholas Weston of Maidstone has earned an award in the Skills Canada Saskatchewan category.
The awards, hosted annually by the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC), were presented Sept. 30.The awards recognize the top achievers from among the nearly 1,600 new journeypersons certified in the 47 trades in Saskatchewan between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011.
Increased awareness of fantastic career opportunities available in the skilled trades, coupled with the strength of Saskatchewan's economy, has resulted in steady growth in apprenticeship numbers. The total number of apprentices registered with the SATCC rose to 9,442 in 2010-11 representing a 3.3 per cent increase over the previous year and a 39.3 per cent increase since 2006-07.
"Interest in apprenticeship training and trade certification continues to grow year after year," SATCC Board Chair Garry Kot said.
"More employers are recognizing that workers who register in and complete apprenticeship training programs acquire skills and experience that add to the productivity and competitiveness of their businesses. This year, employers continue to demonstrate their support for apprentices with industry scholarships."
Fourteen industry associations will provide scholarships or awards recognizing outstanding new journeyperson achievement in 13 skilled trades. In addition, five apprentices will be recognized for achieving gold medals in the provincial Skills Canada competitions in Moose Jaw and Regina in April 2011.
Participation in the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) Program remains at high levels in Saskatchewan high schools. More than 255 high schools now offer the program, and nearly 3,900 students currently participate. As a direct result, 318 graduates of the SYA Program are now registered with employers as apprentices, earning better than average wages as they complete the requirements for trade certification.
