Saskatchewan pushes students to get trade jobs

Dozens of students in Regina didn't have classes Tuesday, but they still gained some valuable experience. 

They were at the Regina Trades and Skills Centre to learn about becoming an electrician, plumber, drywaller, etc.

It's Skilled Trades and Technologies week in Saskatchewan from Nov. 2-8 and there's a major push to get people into trades. 

Joshua Kennedy, 18, is happy the trades have gained more respect.

"I think we should have more choice, I guess, into whatever you want to do," Kennedy said. "And going to be able to go into Polytechnic and all that."

Kia Tawiyaka, 15, soldered some copper piping on Tuesday and he has his sights set on a job in the trades.

"I really, really wouldn't be able to live with myself if I got an office job or something," Tawiyaka said. "It's just not something I'm interested in. I like hands-on work."

The province said even though there's a downturn in the economy, demand for skilled trades people remains because so many baby boomers in the trades are retiring.

Jeremy Harrison, minister responsible for immigration, jobs, skills and training, said the event and the week are also opportunities to thank skilled tradespeople for their work.

"There are many opportunities for rewarding careers in the skilled trades available for Saskatchewan's youth, and older workers wanting to retrain," Harrison said in a news release.

Find more information about skilled trades here.