Additional $1 million will provide 150 more training seats
In Saskatchewan, more people will be better prepared to jump into the world of employment thanks to additional funding for apprenticeship training from the provincial government.
The government is investing an additional $1 million to increase the capacity for the development of skilled trades in the province.
The additional investment will push the province’s total investment into the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) for 2023-2024 to $22.4 million. As a result, 150 more seats are available to Saskatchewan residents.
SATCC supports apprenticeship training in trades such as construction electrician, plumber, sheet metal worker and much more.
"As Saskatchewan's economy continues to grow, we are seeing a significant number of capital projects underway or planned throughout the next several years, all of which will create more demand for skilled tradespeople in the province," said Jeremy Harrison, minister of immigration and career training.
"This additional funding will create more capacity in our training system, supporting the Saskatchewan Labour Market Strategy and ensuring Saskatchewan people benefit from the opportunities our economy is creating."
Rise in apprenticeships in Canada
Canada has seen a rise in apprenticeships in the country in the past years. In 2021, new registrations in apprenticeship programs (+31.1%) and certifications in the trades (+33.7%) saw significant increases from the year before, according to Statistics Canada.
In Saskatchewan, since 2007, provincial funding for apprenticeship has increased more than 71%, according to the provincial government.
"We are thrilled the government of Saskatchewan is providing this additional investment in support of our province's apprenticeship and trade certification system," SATCC CEO Jeff Ritter said. "This funding will help us meet the growing demand for apprenticeship training."
Previously, the federal government announced that it is investing over $5.4 million to support Indigenous economic development in Southern Ontario. The investment will improve skills development for youth and create more than 130 new jobs, it said.
Also, Ottawa previously launched its Upgrade Your Skills advertising campaign, which informs Canadian youth and adults about government financial supports and programs available to them to help Canadians gain the skills needed to succeed in today’s labour market.
Benefits of apprenticeships
Apprenticeship programs help people gain and improve their technical skills and experience in a particular industry, according to Indeed.
“These programs allow you to earn a stipend or salary while developing expertise in a hands-on role, such as an electrician, plumber, hairstylist, or powerline technician,” it said.
Indeed noted that the following are the benefits the people get from apprenticeships:
- It provides hands-on training.
- It increases one’s employment prospects.
- It increases one’s earning potential.
- It provides an alternative to earning a university degree.
- It provides targeted support to those who enrol.
- It leads to career advancement.
- It gives those who enrol a competitive advantage.
- It helps create a strong professional network.
For employers, offering an apprenticeship program fosters employee retention, said Indeed.
“Companies that offer apprenticeship programs are investing in the people they train. You may be more likely to stay with a company that invests in your career development and professional growth, as it can often lead to career advancement.
“You're likely to find job satisfaction in an organizational culture that focuses on your overall development, and apprenticeship programs often exist within companies that value this type of work culture. This can result in a long-term relationship with the company that hires you as an apprentice.”
