ANNOUNCEMENTS

Accepting Nominations for Trade Board Members

nominations due Nov 30/08

Are you knowledgeable, experienced and active in your trade and have a desire to expand your involvement? If so, the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) would like you to consider representing your trade as a trade board member.

Outstanding New Journeyperson Achievement Recognized

October 24, 2008

Fifty-six new journeypersons will receive an award for their outstanding achievement in the skilled trades. They are the top achievers from among the nearly 1,200 new journeypersons certified in the 50 trades in Saskatchewan between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008.

RISE IN APPRENTICE NUMBERS LEADS TO MORE GOVERNMENT FUNDING

September 19, 2008

As the number of apprentices in Saskatchewan grows with the province's thriving economy, government announced an additional $3.5 million investment in the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) to train and certify skilled tradespeople.

National Apprenticeship Survey Released

Statistics Canada released one national and eight regional reports on the results of the National Apprenticeship Survey (NAS) conducted during the winter of 2007.

News release

Saskatchewan's Overview Report 2007

Canadian Apprenticeship Forum July 2008 study - Strategies to Increase Employer Participation in Apprenticeship Training in Canada

The report contains findings from the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum's (CAF's) Employer Engagement Forums.

www.caf-fca.org/en/report/CAF_EmplEngage_E5.pdf

Carpenter Upgrading Now Available Online

A new internet course is being piloted by the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) and the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) to help certify carpenters. SATCC is accepting applications now. Courses start September 1, 2008 and run continually thereafter.

More about the NEW Online Carpenter Upgrading

The Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC), in cooperation with the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST), have developed an Online Carpenter Upgrading program. Eligible candidates now have the option to participate in the new online program or attend the standard seven week in-person classroom upgrading program.

Both courses fulfill the requirement for mandatory upgrading in order to be eligible to attempt the Carpenter Interprovincial certification examination.

Prince Albert Office Moved

The Prince Albert office moved to a new location on August 1, 2008.

New Look to the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship Website

The Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission is pleased to launch a new look to its website effective May 21, 2008. It is anticipated that the organization of the site will make it easy for apprentices, journeypersons, employers, youth, parents and teachers to quickly find the skilled trades information they need.

Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA)

Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) raises awareness of apprenticeship in Saskatchewan schools by helping young people discover what rewards come with working in the skilled trades. SYA enhances student career development by exploring the world of opportunities skilled trades offer Saskatchewan youth.

Changes to the Plumber and Steamfitter-Pipefitter Terms of Apprenticeship

Effective March 1, 2008, the term of apprenticeship for the plumber and steamfitter-pipefitter trades are being reduced from five years/9,000 hours to four years/7,200 hours.

Apprentice/Journeyperson Ratio - Final Level Apprentices Excluded

The Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission Board adopted a policy of excluding final level apprentices from the calculation of journeyperson to apprentice ratios. This policy, which applies to all designated trades in Saskatchewan, was implemented last winter on a temporary basis, subject to regulation changes and a review of the results. The regulations were amended November 1, 2007 and will be in effect for one further year until November 1, 2008.

Regina Trades and Skills Centre

The Regina Trades and Skills Centre offers programming for youth and young adults in Regina and area. If you are considering a career in a trade or skill area, then this program is for you. Program offerings September 2008 to January 2009.

Provincial - Graduate Retention Program

The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to retaining our best and brightest right here at home! Introducing a new program of tax benefits for graduates that addresses tuition costs and contributes to the long term growth and prosperity of Saskatchewan!

Provincial - Employees' Tool Tax Credit

The Employees' Tool Tax Credit recognizes the costs associated with purchasing, replacing and upgrading eligible tools by qualifying employees as a condition of their employment.

Federal - Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit

This is a Federal Government initiative. In order to facilitate completion of the tax form, please note the following:

We do not have “Contract Numbers.” Therefore, we suggest you complete Column A “Contract Number” with the apprentice’s name and address.
The Red Seal codes for the eligible trades in Saskatchewan are in this document - Red Seal Codes.

For further information please contact 1-800-O-Canada or visit www.fin.gc.ca/budget06/bp/bpc3be.htm#apprenticeship.

Federal - The Apprenticeship Incentive (AIG) Program

The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) Program began January 1, 2007. Apprentices completing their first or second year (level, block or period) of an apprenticeship program in a provincially or territorially designated Red Seal trade will be eligible for a $1,000 taxable grant to help offset some of their training-related costs and to encourage further advancement in their programs. Only those apprentices demonstrating progression on or after January 1, 2007 will be considered eligible for the grant.

2008 Code Book Information

Apprentices in the following trades: electronics assembler, electrician, plumber, steamfitter-pipefitter, refrigeration mechanic and sheet metal worker, will be required to provide or purchase the code books for their trade. More information.

View Archive