Indigenous Apprenticeship Program

Apprentice Benefits Job coaching, essential skills training and follow-up provided to the apprentice Above average wages Support for the apprentice through to journeyperson status Improved job security

Employer Benefits Subsidized wages for full-time employment Access to the Indigenous labour market Assistance with indenturing process and associated costs

 

Is Apprenticeship Right for You?

The skills you learn as an apprentice will not only last a lifetime, but also open doors to other opportunities such as supervising, management, or starting your own business.

 

Apprenticeship Fundamentals

• Apprenticeship programs are driven by employer demand
• Employers provide on-the-job training
• 80% Learning first-hand on the job, while you get paid
• 20% In-class training

 

How to Get Started

There are over 50 designated trades to choose from in Saskatchewan. If you know which trade you are interested in, or would like more information about the trades or Indigenous Apprenticeship opportunities, contact an Employment Counsellor at your nearest Gabriel Dumont Institute Training & Employment (GDITE) office. For information on designated trades, go to: http://saskapprenticeship.ca/quick­links/designated-trades/

 

Apprentice Eligibility

Candidates for the Indigenous Apprenticeship are screened for their commitment and ability to work in a trade. If you qualify to become an apprentice, GDITE will assist you in progressing through the apprenticeship system.

 

Employer Eligibility

All businesses registered with Canada Revenue Agency, Workers Compensation Board, and recognized by the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) are eligible for the Indigenous Apprenticeship.
In order to qualify for the Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy, an employer must agree to indenture the Indigenous client for the duration of the subsidy period.

The apprentice must be a new hire.

 

GDI Indigenous Apprenticeship Provides:

• Subsidized wages for full-time employment
• Job coaching, essential skills training, and follow-up for the apprentice
• Quality mentorship hands-on training
• Improved job security
• Above-average wages
• Assistance with indenturing process and associated costs
• Support for both the employer and apprentice through to Journeyperson status
• Trades-focused GED preparation programs

 

Targets (2017-2021)

• 200 new Apprenticeship jobs for Indigenous workers
• 120 new Indigenous apprentices indentured with SATCC
• 100 Apprentices attend technical training
• 72 pre-employment training seats for Indigenous people
• 30 clients interested in Apprenticeship attend trades-focused GED prep programs
• 10% women in non-traditional trades
• 50% youth

 

To qualify for the GDI Indigenous Apprenticeship you must:

• Be an Indigenous person (Métis, First Nation or Inuit)
• Be unemployed or underemployed
• Have a genuine interest in working in the trades, and
• Meet eligibility requirements for registering as an apprentice.

*If you do not meet eligibility requirements for registering as an apprentice, GDITE has programs available to assist you to become qualified.

 

In addition to the Indigenous Apprenticeship, GDITE offers a comprehensive range of services for employers including: province wide job postings in GDITE offices, access to the Indigenous labour market, Summer Student, Wage Subsidy programs and other partnership opportunities.