Province Announces $13 Million in Funding for Skills Training Programs at Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission

Released on July 20, 2021

Today, the Government of Saskatchewan announced approximately $13 million in new funding for Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) to deliver education and skills training programs to help grow a skilled workforce in Saskatchewan. 

This funding allows both institutions to deliver a variety of education and skills training programs in support of the Government's commitment to engage with under-represented groups, create jobs in long-term care and increase the number of apprentices in the province.

"Saskatchewan's greatest resource has always been its people and this funding supports the provincial Growth Plan priority to develop a skilled workforce in our province through education and training," Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said.  "As we emerge from the global pandemic and work to build a strong Saskatchewan, this funding will target training for economic opportunities, promote recruitment and retention of young people, support participation of those currently under-represented in the workforce, and continue growing an engaged and inclusive workforce for the future."

A total of $11.3 million will be provided to Saskatchewan Polytechnic for the purpose of developing and delivering three training initiatives in 2021-22.  The programs include:

• Disability Services Programming - for adult learners with disabilities; 
• Newcomer Services Programming - to provide in-demand skills training and language training for newcomers to Canada; and 
• Supportive Care Assistant Program - for adult learners with an interest in exploring an entry-level career in healthcare.  This program helps fulfill the government's commitment to hire an additional 300 continuing care assistants.

"Supporting an inclusive, diverse and skilled workforce to promote Saskatchewan's growth priorities is important to Sask Polytech," Saskatchewan Polytechnic President and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia said.  "We're pleased to take this opportunity to thank the Government of Saskatchewan for its belief in and investment in training for learners with disabilities, newcomers and the recently launched Supportive Care Assistant program.  This funding will provide learners the skills necessary to reach their career goals or to launch a new career path in our great province."

A total of $1.68 million will be provided to the SATCC for the purpose of coordinating and delivering three initiatives by the end of the 2021-22 fiscal year.  The initiatives will increase the number of apprentices in Saskatchewan and include:

• Teaching Kits - for elementary and high school educators to broaden students' awareness of apprenticeships and careers in the trades.
• Tiny House Project - for Indigenous apprentices to gain work experience while progressing toward journey person certification by building tiny (modular) houses in local communities.
• Virtual Reality Kits - for career exploration of apprenticeship trades programs with youth throughout the province. 

"We're excited about this investment and what it means for our programming," SATCC Chief Executive Officer Jeff Ritter said.  "We already engage Saskatchewan youth and Indigenous communities through our well-established Indigenous Apprenticeship Initiative (IAI) and Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) programs.  This funding will enable us to reach out in new, innovative ways.  Ultimately, it will help facilitate a diverse, inclusive apprenticeship and trade certification system, one that is representative of our province's population."

Funding for these projects has been secured through the Labour Market Transfer Agreement negotiated with the Government of Canada.

“Together with the Government of Saskatchewan, the Government of Canada’s investment will strengthen workers’ futures and help them thrive in the workplace,” Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough said.  “The funding provided through the Canada-Saskatchewan Workforce Development Agreement will help workers in Saskatchewan acquire the tools and skills they need to get good jobs as our economy continues to recover from the pandemic.”

-30-

For more information, contact: