ECAS announces the Registered Contractors Program in collaboration with SaskPower

Winter 2018 Partnership Editorial

 

Those in industry are well aware of how rewarding the apprenticeship system of training is, and the success of the journeypersons who complete it. Sometimes, however, reports and statistics provide us the evidence to back up this knowledge. We are proud to present some of the information below.

Saskatchewan male residents with journeyperson certification make more than those with any other type of postsecondary education, according to education and labour data from the 2016 census that was recently released by Statistics Canada.

They make 38.4 percent more than high school graduates and 1.4 percent more than those with bachelor's degrees.

In addition, a high percentage of the population has an apprenticeship certificate. In fact, 12.6 percent of full-time employed Saskatchewan residents aged 15 to 64 have an apprenticeship certificate. This is second only to Quebec, where 19.8 percent of the working population has an apprenticeship certificate.

The majority of apprentices go on to secure employment, a permanent job, and benefits.

So says the 2015 National Apprenticeship Survey (NAS) Report, which was recently published by Statistics Canada.  

The report includes intriguing data in a number of areas, including completion. More than six in ten apprentices indicate they encountered no difficulties in progressing through their apprenticeship, while over six in ten apprentices completed their apprenticeship within four to six years.

Over 80 percent of those who completed their apprenticeship found a permanent job, and 95 percent of apprentices agreed or strongly agreed that apprenticeship "is the best way to learn a trade."

Apprentices can access many different programs for financial support.

Of course, apprentices are at work, earning a wage, for 85 percent of the year. However, for the other 15 percent of their time which is spent in technical training, there are grants and loans available to help cover expenses.

The NAS report tells us that nearly three quarters of apprentices applied for Employment Insurance while in technical training. The Apprentice Training Allowance is also available for those who have to relocate during training.

Through the Saskatchewan Advantage Scholarship, grade 12 graduates in the province are eligible to receive up to $500 per year (to a lifetime maximum of $2,000) to be applied to their tuition costs at a Saskatchewan post-secondary institution, which includes the SATCC.  

In addition, the Graduate Retention Program provides a tax rebate up to $20,000 to Saskatchewan graduates who remain in the province and file a Saskatchewan income tax return.

The Government of Canada also offers financial incentives. The Apprenticeship Incentive and Completion grants provide a $1,000 grant at the completion of Levels 1 and 2 and the final level of training, while the Tradespersons' Tool Deduction, the Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit, and the Government of Canada Tuition Tax Credit area also available. If apprentices require additional assistance, the Government of Canada Apprentice Loan is also available.

Those who complete the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship program in high school are also eligible for benefits, including waiver of the registration fee and the first level of tuition fees, in addition to trade time hours. Each year 100 high school students are also awarded a $1,000 SYA Industry Scholarship.

 

Learn more through the following links:

Education in Canada: Key results from the 2016 Census - https://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/171129/dq171129a-eng.htm

2015 National Apprenticeship Survey Overview Report - http://www5.statcan.gc.ca/olc-cel/olc.action?objId=81-598-X2017001&objType=46&lang=en&limit=0
Apprentice Financial Supports - http://saskapprenticeship.ca/resources/tax-programs/