the Government of Saskatchewan has announced about $13 million in new funding for Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission to deliver education and skills training programs.

Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison says, “This funding supports the provincial Growth Plan priority to develop a skilled workforce in our province through education and training.”

$11.3 million will be provided to Saskatchewan Polytechnic for programs that include Disability Services Programming – for adult learners with disabilities; Newcomer Services Programming – to provide in-demand skills training and language training for newcomers to Canada; and a Supportive Care Assistant Program – for adult learners with an interest in exploring an entry-level career in healthcare.

$1.68 million will be provided to the Commission for coordinating and delivering three initiatives by the end of the 2021-22 fiscal year, to increase the number of apprentices in Saskatchewan and include:
·         Teaching Kits – for elementary and high school educators to broaden students’ awareness of apprenticeships and careers in the trades.
·         Tiny House Project – for Indigenous apprentices to gain work experience while progressing toward journey person certification by building tiny (modular) houses in local communities.
·         Virtual Reality Kits – for career exploration of apprenticeship trades programs with youth throughout the province.

Funding for these projects has been secured through the Labour Market Transfer Agreement negotiated with the Government of Canada.