Saskatchewan’s Skilled Trade and Technology Week Announced
The Government of Saskatchewan has officially designated November 2 to 8 as Skilled Trade and Technology Week, marking the indispensable contributions of skilled tradespeople and technologists in fortifying the province’s economic landscape.
This initiative aspires to elevate awareness regarding career prospects within the skilled trades and technology domains.
“The demand for apprentices and skilled tradespeople in Saskatchewan is paramount,” stated Jim Reiter, Minister of Immigration and Career Training.
“This week serves to acknowledge the significant impact that skilled tradespeople have on both our economy and overall quality of life. These careers offer fulfilling, hands-on experiences that empower individuals to tackle intricate challenges and enhance communities throughout the province.”
In celebration of this week, Skills Canada Saskatchewan is launching an online campaign titled Building Saskatchewan’s Future through Skills.
The campaign is aimed at showcasing the province’s rich trade heritage, current job opportunities, and the future of trades training. Its dissemination will occur via Skills Canada Saskatchewan’s Facebook and Instagram platforms.
Additionally, the organization conducts an annual, Olympic-inspired skills competition, encompassing numerous trade and technology categories. It also offers summer camps that familiarize participants with various fields, including construction, culinary arts, welding, and game design.
Moreover, Skills Canada Saskatchewan arranges Trade and Tech Days in schools across the province, where alumni recount their success stories and experiences in skilled trades.
“Skilled Trade and Technology Week is a significant event for us,” remarked Krystal Nieckar, Executive Director of Skills Canada Saskatchewan.
“This is our chance to illuminate the trades and technologies as remarkable avenues for young individuals. Throughout the year, we collaborate with our partners to demonstrate how careers in these sectors empower youth to flourish, develop, and remain in Saskatchewan.”
The Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) persistently promotes youth involvement through its Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) program.
This initiative introduces students to apprenticeship pathways via 12 structured activities, including interviews with journeypersons and the completion of the Young Worker Readiness Certificate Course.
Participants who register as apprentices within five years of finishing the program are granted 300 trade time hours and exemption from apprenticeship registration and Level 1 technical training fees.
SYA representatives traverse Saskatchewan to advocate for participation and emphasize the merits of careers in trades.
“In recent years, we have noted a rise in both overall apprentice numbers and new registrations,” asserted Jeff Ritter, CEO of SATCC.
“We encourage the youth to consider the SYA program as a means to explore whether a career in skilled trades aligns with their interests.”
As of June 30, 2025, there were 7,166 registered apprentices in Saskatchewan, a six percent increase compared to the preceding year.
Educators keen to promote careers in skilled trades and technology are urged to liaise with Skills Canada Saskatchewan to facilitate Trade and Tech Days, invite industry representatives into classrooms, or implement the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship program.
Source link: Westcentralonline.com.
