The Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission has received a funding boost to invest in the Indigenous Apprenticeship Initiatives Program.

The Government of Saskatchewan announced the one-time injection on Thursday, which is an additional $500,000 on top of the $400,000 the SATCC allocates to the cause annually. Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison says the Indigenous Apprenticeship Initiatives Program is critical in promoting access to apprenticeship training and provides better supports for Indigenous peoples who are interested in a career in the trades. The money will fund the proposals that were received last spring, including hands-on skills training sessions involving tiny-home builds, preemployment and apprenticeship training sessions, and career exploration courses delivered to or near First Nations and Metis communities. As of June 30th of last year, Saskatchewan saw over 6000 apprentices become registered. Seventeen per cent of those were Indigenous peoples.