Released on June 18, 2021
One hundred high school graduates from 79 communities across the province are receiving Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) Industry Scholarships.
The scholarship program, launched in 2009, is overseen by the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC). Scholarships are presented to SYA program participants who plan to pursue careers in the skilled trades.
"On behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan, congratulations to the 2020-21 scholarship recipients; we're sending best wishes as you wrap up this chapter and begin your careers as skilled tradespeople," Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "Skilled tradespeople will play an important role in our province's economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. We're proud you'll be part of that."
SYA Industry Scholarships are unique - students redeem them for $1,000 within two years of graduation by actively embarking on a career in the skilled trades, either by registering as an apprentice and completing Level 1 technical training or by completing a pre-employment course in a trade designated in Saskatchewan.
Brooklynn Zaleschuk is one of this year's scholarship recipients. She's graduating from Martensville High School.
"Through the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship program, I have gained first-hand experience in a variety of trades," Zaleschuk said. "This program has helped narrow my career path to wanting to pursue heavy duty mechanics after I graduate high school. I am extremely grateful to have received a 2021 SYA Industry Scholarship as this will allow me to focus on my goal of obtaining journeyperson certification. As a female in the trades, I look forward to being a role model to other females who are interested in pursuing a career in the trades."
The SYA program, which includes 12 activities, enhances students' understanding of apprenticeship and the skilled trades. Among other activities, students complete Practical and Applied Arts courses; interview a journeyperson; research and write a report on a designated trade; and complete the Young Worker Readiness certificate. Students who complete SYA and register as apprentices in Saskatchewan within five years of graduation receive valuable benefits - their apprenticeship registration fee and Level 1 technical training tuition are waived, and they're awarded 300 trade time hours.
The scholarship program is supported by industry sponsors and the Government of Saskatchewan.
Fifty-nine industry sponsors have invested nearly $750,000 into the scholarship fund. The Government of Saskatchewan has also invested through the Saskatchewan Innovation and Opportunities Scholarship, bringing total contributions to $1.2 million.
"The Commission Board of Directors extends its congratulations to this year's scholarship recipients," SATCC Board Chair Drew Tiefenbach said. "We are so glad you've decided to pursue careers in the skilled trades. Skilled tradespeople perform essential work that benefits our province and its citizens. I also want to recognize and thank our industry partners for their significant financial contributions to the scholarship fund."
There are more than 300 schools and nearly 4,500 students currently registered in the SYA program.
To learn more about SYA, please visit www.saskapprenticeship.ca/youth_apprentices or call 1-877-363-0536.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Chelsea Coupal
Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0187
Email: chelsea.coupal@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-4692