One hundred recent graduates received an extra hand thanks to the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) Industry Scholarships.
Two students from Humboldt Collegiate Institute (HCI) received awards from the SYA program, with Cole Grace receiving the Merit Contractors Association Apprenticeship Scholarship for Cabinetmaker / Carpenter / Plumber and Ryan Hinz receiving the Technician Industry Scholarship for Automotive Service.
Saskatchewan students had a long list of 12 tasks to be completed to complete their program passport and be considered for the $1,000 scholarship, including essays, complete the Young Worker Readiness Certificate, and job shadowing.
Besides the monetary boost for their post-secondary education, students also receive 300 hours towards their program, a waiver towards their $200 registration fee, and no charge for Level 1 technical training tuition, says the program website.
For the 2018 SYA year, 55 industry sponsors provided $725,000 in funding for students in a wide variety of trades, according to a government of Saskatchewan press release.
“The Government of Saskatchewan has also provided funding through the Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunities Scholarship, which brings total contributions to more than $1.25 million,” said the government press release.
Both of the HCI students’ hard work did not go unnoticed by HCI teacher, Tom Schwinghamer.
It takes hours of time to complete all the tasks on the program passport and is self-driven and on their own time, he says.
“They were two of our top nominees and they worked really hard and I’m sure they will take advantage of their opportunity as they move forward.”
The program offers students exposure and the ability to explore different trades, says Schwinghamer.
“It gives them opportunities to know what’s out there and to have a chance to get some actual experience with those trades.”
The monetary award can be used for anything from books to room and board, says Schwinghamer.
HCI staff are proud of both students for their hard work.
