Students and apprentices enrolled in the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology’s agricultural machinery technician program will benefit from improved access to new industrial equipment and computer diagnostic technology.
Funding worth $1.4 million from Western Economic Diversification Canada will help address the high demand for skilled workers in Western Canada as well as the increasing requirement from employers to introduce leading edge technologies.
The money will go to seven training programs at SIAST’s four campuses. It will buy a new tractor, two fork lifts, engines, hoists, computer diagnostic equipment, welders, digital meters, sanders, and other specialized equipment.
Other trades to receive funding include carpentry, electrical, plumbing, welding, automotive service technician and heavy equipment truck and transport.
The new equipment and funding could boost enrolment at SIAST and train an additional 490 skilled workers over two years in these seven trades, which are experiencing shortages of skilled workers.
