Back in June according to a Government of Saskatchewan release, the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) announced that Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) Industry Scholarships were being awarded to 100 high school graduates from 66 communities across the province.

West Central had a few names on the list:

  • Abraham Genis / Biggar Central School 2000 / Agricultural Equipment Technician / Industry Scholarship
  • John Tibon / Biggar Central School 2000 / Automotive Service Technician / Industry Scholarship
  • Johndrey Tuico / Biggar Central School 2000 / Automotive Service Technician / Industry Scholarship
  • Rhys Busby / Eaton School (Eatonia) / Agricultural Equipment Technician / Industry Scholarship
  • Carver Beckstrand / Eston Composite School / Welder / Industry Scholarship
  • Tyson Friesen / Kindersley Composite School / Carpenter / Cliff Wright Scholarship
  • Scott Huber / McLurg High School (Landis) / Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) / Machinist / EECOL Electric {Jim Sinneave} Scholarship
  • Ryder Meyers / Lucky Lake School / Carpenter / PCL Construction Management Inc. Scholarship
  • Jordan Van Hierden / Rosetown Central High School / Construction Electrician / PCL Construction Management Inc. Scholarship
  • Shay Fyke / Leader Composite School (Sceptre) / Agricultural Equipment Technician / Industry Scholarship
  • Beau Jeffries / Westcliffe Composite School (Smiley) / Welder / Industry Scholarship
  • Braden Ward / Unity Composite High School / Welder / Saskatchewan Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council Scholarship

SYA program participants who plan to embark on careers in the skilled trades have earned their scholarships, as Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said the following.

"Apprentices and skilled tradespeople perform critical work that supports our province's strong economy. On behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan, congratulations to the 2021-22 scholarship recipients."

Launched in 2009, the SATCC administers the SYA Industry Scholarship program. The scholarships work to reward students for actively pursuing skilled trade careers. Scholarships for $1,000 can be redeemed within two years of graduating high school by completing Level 1 apprenticeship technical training, or a pre-employment course in a trade designated in Saskatchewan.

Also according to the release, educators who oversee their school's SYA program are invited to nominate at least one student annually for the scholarship, with recipients being selected by a committee of SATCC staff members.

Over 300 schools and nearly 3,700 students are currently registered in the SYA program, and you can read more about it through the official release.