Three Northwest students are among 40 high school graduates who were awarded $1,000 each from the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) Industry Scholarship Program to provide assistance as they embark on careers in the skilled trades.
Jarett Prescesky, a North Battleford Comprehensive High School welding student was awarded the PCL Construction Management Inc. Scholarship.
Carpentry student Cole R. Goller of Spiritwood High School earned the Norman Wallace Scholarship.
Kyle Romanowski of Unity Composite High School, an agricultural machinery technician, has been awarded the Merit Contractors Association Apprenticeship Scholarship.
These young people have completed the SYA Program and have met the scholarship criteria.
The scholarships were initiated by industry partners and the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) to encourage interested high school graduates to enter into the skilled trades as "first choice" careers. To date, 17 industry partners (business owners and labour) and two provincial government agencies have contributed nearly one-half million dollars into the scholarship fund.
"Congratulations to these 40 youth apprentices as they enter into rewarding careers in the skilled trades," Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission Board chair Garry Kot said.
"We are delighted that so many youth are reaping the benefits of the SYA Program and that so many industry groups are stepping up to support the scholarship program, in addition to hiring and training apprentices. It's a win-win situation all around."
The SYA Program enables high school students to explore career opportunities in the skilled trades by encouraging interest and facilitating hands-on experience. Student participation remains high. Currently there are approximately 250 schools registered in the SYA Program, with over 4,600 students participating. Since the program's inception, more than 8,500 students in Grades 10 to 12 have registered and over 2,500 have completed the program and received certificates. Of these, over 300 have registered as Saskatchewan apprentices. To date, seven SYA participants have achieved journeyperson status.
The SATCC selects the schools that receive the SYA Industry Scholarship and the school selects the scholarship winner. In order to receive the award, the graduate must complete one level of apprenticeship or complete one year of post-secondary training in a designated skilled trade.
