Skilled Trade and Technology Week in Saskatchewan launches Sunday, October 31 and runs until Sunday, November 7. This week raises awareness of career opportunities in the skilled trade and technology sectors, and is jointly supported by the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) and Skills Canada Saskatchewan. It aligns with National Skilled Trade and Technology Week, organized by the national body, Skills/Compétences Canada.

“The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to proclaim Skilled Trade and Technology Week in Saskatchewan,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “Careers in the skilled trade and technology sectors are rewarding. The people who pursue these pathways make valuable contributions to our province’s economy. It’s important for us to celebrate them, especially now. Workers in these sectors have provided essential services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”

This year, Skills Canada Saskatchewan, in partnership with ChatterHigh, is hosting an online quiz that tests students’ knowledge of skilled trade and technology careers. Students can play to win prizes, all while learning more about their post-secondary options. The competition runs until Thursday, November 4. Visit skillscanadasask.com/programs/most-informed-student-school to register or learn more.

Schools are also encouraged to recognize the week by inviting apprentices, journeypersons or other industry representatives to present to their students.

“This week gives us the chance to highlight the valuable services people in the skilled trade and technology sectors provide for the citizens of Saskatchewan,” Skills Canada Saskatchewan Executive Director Colin Phippard said. “These sectors are full of knowledgeable, talented workers; we want students to understand that.”

Teachers may also want to encourage their students to register in the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) program, overseen by the SATCC. To learn more about apprenticeship and career opportunities in the skilled trades, students complete 12 challenges, including interviewing a journeyperson; researching and writing a report on a designated trade; and completing at least one day of on-the-job work experience. Students who register as apprentices in Saskatchewan within five years of completion receive significant benefits: 300 trade time hours and the waiver of their apprenticeship registration fee and Level 1 technical training tuition.

“This week gives us an additional opportunity to promote the benefits of apprenticeship and a career in the skilled trades,” SATCC CEO Jeff Ritter said. “Not everyone wants to learn at a desk. Not everyone wants to work at a desk. Many people prefer learning through mentorship – which is what the apprenticeship model of training is based on. Many people want to be up and active during their workday; working with their hands and solving tangible problems.”