June 5, 2012 – The Government of Saskatchewan has designated June 3 to 9 as Skilled Trades Week. Highlighting Skilled Trades Week is the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF) Conference, which was held in Regina June 3 to today, and will be followed by meetings of the Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship (CCDA).

“The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to proclaim Skilled Trades Week in Saskatchewan,” said economy minister Bill Boyd. “Saskatchewan will need 75,000 to 90,000 skilled workers over the next five to 10 years to meet the needs of our growing economy. The apprenticeship process is an important part of our solution to the shortage.”

Saskatchewan tradespeople work in one of 47 designated trades and 23 subtrades. As of June 30, 2011, there were 9442 registered apprentices in Saskatchewan, who are earning while they work toward a certified journeyperson status. Growing industries provide first-choice options in stable, rewarding careers.

“The men and women who work in the skilled trades build and maintain the infrastructure that allows Saskatchewan to grow and prosper,” said Garry Kot, chair of the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship & Trade Certification Commission (SATCC). “Young people in Saskatchewan are sometimes unaware of the great, well-paying careers in the skilled trades. Skilled Trades Week is a reminder to the entire population that the homes they live in, the vehicles they drive, the electricity and the plumbing they depend on, the service they receive in restaurants and hotels, and the equipment used in mines and agriculture are all connected in one way or another with skilled trades people.”