May 28, 2007

Sault scholarships an incentive to learn a construction trade

ELAINE DELLA-MATTIA

correspondent

SAULT STE. MARIE

Sault Ste. Marie youth looking to study trades at Sault College now have an added incentive.

The United Way of Sault Ste. Marie has announced that it will offer 10 scholarships annually over the next three years to students entering various trades programs at Sault College.

The announcement is a $75,000 investment in local youths and the first time such a program has been offered locally, said Rick Thomas, manager of the Sault Ste. Marie Construction Association.

“This is a very refreshing thing to see and something that I believe will encourage young people to enter the trades,” he said.

Sault College acting president Max Liedke said the funds will cover first-year tuition as well as some supplies, helping to alleviate financial concerns for the recipients.

"This is a very refreshing thing to see."

Rick Thomas

SSMCA

He said that establishing bursaries to study in the trades seemed a logical response to the concerns voiced.

The Sault Ste. Marie Construction Association, along with the construction trades, have indicated there is a trade shortage in Sault Ste. Marie and long-term projects on the horizon, including a new hospital, will mean jobs for hundreds of tradespeople.

It’s hoped the program will provide jobs to locally traded individuals and ultimately help the Sault Ste. Marie economy.

The new scholarship program is open to local applicants who are entering the first year electrical, mechanical and motive power (automotive), construction, marine and small powered equipment, truck and coach/heavy duty equipment trades courses.

Applicants must write an essay describing why he/she should receive the bursary from the United Way by May 11.

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