One hundred high school graduates from across the province are being given a little extra incentive to move into the trades after graduation.

The Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) announced that Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) Industry Scholarships are being awarded to graduates from 66 communities across the province.

In a statement issued by the Saskatchewan Government today SATCC Board Chair Drew Tiefenbach said. “Scholarship recipients realize that careers in the skilled trades are rewarding; skilled tradespeople learn by doing and perform tangible work that contributes to our province’s economic growth. Congratulations to this year’s recipients.”

The scholarships are given to students who plan to move into the trades after highschool. The $1000 scholarship is redeemable to students within two years of graduating highschool and completing level 1 apprenticeship technical training or pre employment program in a designated trade in Saskatchewan.

The program is funded through sponsorship dollars provided by sixty industry sponsors , who have invested more than $750,000 in the program.

Brayden Smith, graduating from Hudson Bay Community School is one of this year’s recipients.

“It is nice to be recognized for my dedication to completing a trades program,” Smith said. “The financial assistance will be helpful in reaching my goal as a heavy-duty mechanic.”

Currently more than 300 schools and 3700 students across the province are registered in the program.