The best of the best new journeypersons will be recognized for achieving the top marks in their skilled trades at the 2015 Apprenticeship Awards in Regina tonight – a gala event hosted by the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission.
Besides the top 35 journeypersons, recognition will also be awarded in a number of other categories, such as: the top journeyperson across all trades, the top Aboriginal journeyperson, the top female in a traditionally male trade, outstanding trade board, and gold medals winners of the Skills Canada Saskatchewan Competition.
In addition, the Artisan Award will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional contributions to the apprenticeship system. Two new categories this year will also recognize the most outstanding instructor as nominated by this year’s journeypersons and the most Outstanding Employer in both under and over 50 employees.
Eleven industry partners will also use the event to present scholarships and awards for industry achievements.
“The annual Apprenticeship Awards recognize the achievements of many skilled tradespersons and those who support them as they become journeypersons,” Minister responsible for Immigration, Jobs, Skills and Training Jeremy Harrison said. “We congratulate all newly certified journeypersons as they begin long, rewarding careers in Saskatchewan that will help keep our economy strong.”
“These gala awards pay tribute to those with outstanding achievement between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015,” SATCC Commission Board Chair Garry Kot said. “They are the cream of the crop out of the 1,837 journeypersons certificates issued last year.”
Key statistics for 2014-15 include:
•97 per cent of employers surveyed are either satisfied or very satisfied with their apprentice;
•2,788 employers registered apprentices;
•9,953 registered apprentices, of which 3,014 were newly registered;
•6,701 apprentices received technical training – a 99 per cent fill rate;
•3,843 Saskatchewan Youth Apprentices were registered; and
•104 graduates of Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship achieved journeyperson status.
The SATCC manages the apprenticeship and certification system in Saskatchewan, helping skilled tradespeople make the journey from first year apprentice to certified journeyperson. Photos will be available of all scholarship winners in attendance.
For additional information about the awards, like Sask Apprenticeship on Facebook and follow @SKApprentice on Twitter.
