Forty high school graduates - including one from Yorkton - were recently 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. 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.
Yorkton Regional High School student, Brett Kelbaugh, who is embarking on a career in cooking, was among the recent recipients.
"Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris comments. "This important scholarship program helps attract new apprentices directly from high school to help meet Saskatchewan's growing need for tradespersons."
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 10-12 have registered and over 2,500 have completed the program and received certificates. Of these, over 300 have registered as Saskatchewan apprentices.
For information about the SYA Programs visit www.saskapprenticeship.ca or call 1-877-363-0536.
