New funding, to the tune of $13 million, was announced by the provincial government this past week. The money is for Saskatchewan Polytechnic as well as the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission. It is intended to allow the institutions to deliver training programs aimed at underrepresented groups, while also creating jobs in long-term care and increasing the number of apprentices in Saskatchewan. 

A large portion of the money is going to Saskatchewan Polytechnic for three training initiatives for the upcoming school year. The $11.3 million is for disability services programming, newcomer services programming and a supportive care assistant program. 

"Supporting an inclusive, diverse and skilled workforce to promote Saskatchewan's growth priorities is important to Sask Polytech," Saskatchewan Polytechnic President and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia said. "We're pleased to take this opportunity to thank the Government of Saskatchewan for its belief in and investment in training for learners with disabilities, newcomers and the recently launched Supportive Care Assistant program.  This funding will provide learners the skills necessary to reach their career goals or to launch a new career path in our great province." 

Another $1.68 million is for three initiatives with the SATCC. These include virtual reality kits for career exploration, teaching kits for educators to help expand awareness of apprenticeships and a tiny house project for Indigenous apprentices.  

"We're excited about this investment and what it means for our programming," SATCC Chief Executive Officer Jeff Ritter said.  "We already engage Saskatchewan youth and Indigenous communities through our well-established Indigenous Apprenticeship Initiative (IAI) and Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) programs.  This funding will enable us to reach out in new, innovative ways.  Ultimately, it will help facilitate a diverse, inclusive apprenticeship and trade certification system, one that is representative of our province's population." 

The funding for the projects was secured through the Labour Market Transfer Agreement with the federal government.