Local students awarded industry scholarships from provincial program

The Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) has announced the winners of this year’s Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship Industry Scholarships, and a number of this year’s recipients are from within the local school division.

A.E. Peacock Collegiate graduate Jerri Bruce received a machinist scholarship from PTW Energy. Cornerstone Christian School graduate Caleb Kaminski received a scholarship for interest in truck and transport mechanics, from CoJay’s Heavy Truck Repair Ltd. Vanier Collegiate graduate Julian Allen received a cook and carpentry scholarship, sponsored by the Moose Jaw Construction Association. In addition to these Moose Jaw winners, a number of graduating students from other parts of the Prairie South School Division also received scholarships this year, including:

• Ian Cristo from Assiniboia, automotive service technician;

• Rainier Volke from Big Beaver, industrial mechanic and machinist;

• Derek Bryan from Central Butte, agricultural equipment technician;

• Levi Edwards from Craik, auto body and collision technician;

• Tyler Bouffard from Kincaid, carpenter;

• Gregory Empey from Kincaid, carpenter;

• Fletcher Starke from Lafleche, powerline technician;

• and Braydon Gardner from Tugaske, agricultural equipment technician.

The Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship scholarships are worth $1,000 each, and are awarded to 100 graduating students across the province each year. Over 59 industry sponsors help fund the scholarship program, in partnership with the provincial government.

Each recipient must participate and complete the SYA program, which allows students to explore the trades in a hands-on capacity, and indicate their intent to pursue a career in the skilled trades within two years of graduation to receive their scholarship.

Those who finish the SYA program also reap other benefits — such as waived apprenticeship fees and Level 1 training fees, and 300 trade time hours added to their resume.

Past scholarship winners have said that the program was a great opportunity to experience different trades before making any decisions, and appreciated the program benefits that helped get their foot in the door of their chosen industry. “The skilled trades are essential to our province’s economic growth,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said, in a press release. “The Government of Saskatchewan recognizes how important it is to build a diverse skilled trades workforce, one that is responsive to industry’s needs. Congratulations to the scholarship winners. We wish you all the best as you embark on your career paths.”