One hundred recent graduates received an extra hand thanks to the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) Industry Scholarships.
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 with 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.
St. Brieux School’s Shane Kupchinski also worked hard during his journey to receive his Saskatchewan Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council Scholarship in welding, says teacher, Jeremy Rolheiser.
“He is a blacksmithing enthusiast and has always had those traits that will lead to success in the trades; listening intently, working diligently, being on time, being a team player, and working safely,” he said in an email.
Rolheiser has seen many St. Brieux students go through the program and receive assistance getting into the trade.
The SYA is a rare opportunity that garners more interest for younger students, he says.
“There are not a lot of scholarship opportunities for students interested in the trades, so sometimes kids don’t see the value in getting into the trades.”
Bruno School’s Cole Koob was awarded the EECOL Electric {Jim Sinneave} Scholarship for Heavy Duty Equipment Technician.
Principal Lianne Borstmayer also saw how hard her hardworking, farm boy student worked to achieve his SYA application.
“You can tell he had grown up working hard his whole life,” says Borstmayer. Besides the scholarship sponsors, industry partners who helped Koob along the way also deserve a huge thank you, she says.
The knowledge gained by students completing their passport is invaluable, says Borstmayer.
Local SYA Students
Bjorkdale School - Scott Spedding
Industrial Mechanic, CLR Saskatchewan
Bruno School - Cole Koob
Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, EECOL Electric {Jim Sinneave} Scholarship
Humboldt Collegiate Institute - Cole Grace
Cabinetmaker / Carpenter / Plumber, Merit Contractors Association Apprenticeship Scholarship
Humboldt Collegiate Institute - Ryan Hinz
Automotive Service, Technician Industry Scholarship
Kinistino School - Jesse Brittain
Plumber, Peak Mechanical Partnership Award of Excellence
Kelliher School - Jayden Komodowski
Powerline Technician, EECOL Electric {Jim Sinneave} Scholarship
Melfort & Unit Comprehensive Collegiate - Mitchel Clarke
Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, Saskatchewan Construction Association Scholarship
Nipawin L.P. Miller Comprehensive - Neve Rein
Carpenter, The Norman Wallace Scholarship
Porcupine Plain Comprehensive School - Colby Wolstenholme
Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, EECOL Electric {Jim Sinneave} Scholarship
Raymore School - Shayne Purdue
Carpenter, Westridge Construction Ltd. Scholarship
Naicam School - Michael Thevenot
Heavy Duty Equipment Technician, Saskatchewan Construction Association Scholarship
St. Brieux School - Shane Kupchinski
Welder, Saskatchewan Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council Scholarship
William Derby School - Carter Smith
Agricultural Equipment Technician, WarDale Equipment 1998 Ltd.
Wynyard Composite High School - Marshal Faye
Agricultural Equipment Technician, PCL Construction Management Inc. Scholarship
