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Government of Canada investment to skills training boosts business productivity

November 14, 2013
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

The Saskatoon Trades and Skills Centre (STSC) will be delivering new, practical, hands-on training to ensure its students can safely operate industrial equipment on completion of their training program. This was made possible through federal funding announced today by Kelly Block, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar, on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.

“Our Government is taking concrete steps to support training programs that deliver the specific skill sets Canadian businesses need to succeed,” said Parliamentary Secretary Block. “With our investment, students will receive the practical, hands-on skills training needed to support Saskatchewan’s continued growth.”

The Harper Government is investing $200,000 to enable STSC to purchase a steel-frame, fabric-covered structure that will house newly-purchased equipment including a skid steer, jackhammer, impact drill, industrial saws, and roof harness rigs. This equipment will be used across numerous training programs. Students will learn the appropriate safety procedures and operating principles of the equipment in addition to their practical training.

“STSC plays an important role in providing skilled laborers to industry,” said Donovan Elliot, STSC Executive Director. “The funding received from WD will allow STSC to take a more intentional approach to training our Saskatoon youth and immediately create increased employment success. The partnership cultivated between STSC and employers creates a mutually beneficial system to meet industry demand for new workers with basic skills and comprehensive safety training.”

Employers prefer graduates of STSC programs with experience operating tools and equipment because of their ability to apply these hands-on skills and safety practices to quickly become more productive. Local businesses partnering with STSC have identified their need for employees with the real-world knowledge, ability and skills to work at industry speed.

The Saskatoon Tribal Council is investing $140,000 toward training costs so that urban First Nations youth have greater access to STSC’s programs. Local employers in the construction industry will contribute an additional $60,000 in the form of wages for on-the-job training. STSC is contributing $300,000 to adapt its training schedule to better meet industry demand for enhanced skill sets.

Established in 2007, the Saskatoon Trades and Skills Centre provides training for the highest demand entry-level trades jobs. STSC works with a host of industry partners and academic institutions to help people get a job and build a bright future in the trades. The result of this collaboration assists the greater Saskatoon community through training and work placements for unemployed, marginalized, vulnerable members of the community, who are looking to improve their lives through skilled employment.

Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating small- and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.

For additional information, contact:

Joanne Mysak
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Telephone: 306-975-5942
Email: joanne.mysak@wd-deo.gc.ca

Bill Fletcher
Career Coach
Saskatoon Trades & Skills Centre
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Telephone: 306-385-3503
Email: william.fletcher@saskatoontradesandskills.ca

WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388

NT5

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