The Saskatchewan government is investing a seven-figure sum of money to help its labour force meet the demands of a growing province.
The province announced $1.5 million to expand available training seats to increase the number of available apprenticeship training seats to 4,450. The funding injection allows Saskatchewan Polytechnic, the Saskatchewan College System, and other training institutions and organizations to expand their skills training programs, increase apprenticeship intake, and grow sector capacity.
"Saskatchewan is fortunate to have seen significant economic growth in the past year, but our province needs more skilled tradespeople to facilitate and enable that growth," Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "With a significant number of capital projects underway and projected in the next two to three years, including the development and expansion of canola crush facilities, agricultural manufacturing, and potash mining, the demand for skilled trades is on the rise. Our government is committed to supporting these major infrastructure projects and ensuring Saskatchewan's economy continues to grow and benefit all." Students working on a car engine at the Estevan Comprehensive School in 2020
In its release, the Sask Party government states that since 2007-08, provincial funding for apprenticeship has increased by more than 71 per cent to approximately $21.4 million.
"We've observed an increased demand for apprenticeship training in recent months," Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission CEO Jeff Ritter said. "These additional training seats will help ensure Saskatchewan's skilled tradespeople progress efficiently through their apprenticeships and achieve journeyperson certification in a timely manner. We're grateful for this investment - it will help us sustain a strong, effective apprenticeship system."
The province also remains committed to working with employers and future journeypersons to connect workers with the training and experience to develop the next generation of Saskatchewan’s skilled labour force.