Skilled Trades and Technologies Week

Released on November 3, 2014

Saskatchewan is encouraged to explore and discover the opportunities in the skilled trades and technologies from November 3 to 9, 2014.

The seven days have been declared Skilled Trades and Technologies Week in Saskatchewan, in celebration with the rest of the country.

Careers in skilled trades and technologies provide many opportunities for Saskatchewan youth.  This week provides a look into the rewarding career options available and encourages students throughout the province to take part in a variety of activities.

“The need for skilled workers has never been greater, and opportunities for young people in these careers are better than ever before,” Minister responsible for Immigration, Jobs, Skills and Training Jeremy Harrison said.  “Skilled Trades and Technologies Week provides the opportunity to highlight the multiple and varied career paths for young people, and to thank Saskatchewan’s skilled tradespeople for the excellent work they do to keep our economy strong.”

A press event, which includes demonstrations, will be held on Thursday, November 6 at 10 a.m. at the Saskatoon Trades and Skills Centre at 450 Avenue W North in Saskatoon.  The event will highlight the activities that have been taking place throughout the week, and the importance of skilled trades and technologies.

Many organizations throughout Saskatchewan will take part in the week.  Teachers are encouraged to invite guests into their classrooms to provide youth more information on careers in the skilled trades.  Guests could be journeypersons, apprentices, business owners, government, or staff from Skills Canada Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Construction Association, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, or the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission.

Schools may also host skilled trades and technologies competitions and try-a-trade event days.  Students also have the opportunity to take advantage of skilled trades and technologies booths at the See Your Future – Education and Career Fair in Regina on November 4 and Saskatoon on November 5.  Teachers and students are encouraged to post on the Facebook page Skills Canada Saskatchewan and with the Twitter hashtag #sttwsk14.

High school students and apprentices are encouraged to register for the Skills Canada provincial competition, to be held April 16 and 17 2015, in Moose Jaw.  Winners will qualify to participate in the Skills Canada national competition, held May 27-30, 2015, in Saskatoon.  High schools are invited to attend this national event to watch competitions and to participate in the try-a-trade exhibits.

For more information, please visit www.skillscanadasask.com or www.saskapprenticeship.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Al Gabert
Skills Canada Saskatchewan
Phone: 306-373-6035
Email: alg@skillscanada.com
Cell: 306-480-9304

Audrey Wolf-Kaminski
Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5284
Email: audrey.wolf@gov.sk.ca