The Government of Saskatchewan has signed an agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) to offer union-led apprenticeship training in the province, marking a significant step towards bolstering the skilled trades workforce.
Under the agreement, the IBEW will begin offering training for construction electricians and power line technicians in 2025. The training, available to both union members and non-members, is aimed at addressing the growing demand for skilled workers as the province experiences an economic boom driven by over $40 billion in new investments. Premier Scott Moe highlighted the importance of this initiative in preparing local workers for long-term employment opportunities.
“Saskatchewan has attracted over $40 billion in new investment in recent years, and this requires a strong and talented labour force to build,” Moe said. “By expanding apprenticeship training options in our province with the IBEW, we are ensuring Saskatchewan people are provided with the high-quality training they need to be first in line for new opportunities, and are prepared for long, rewarding careers.”
The letter of intent (LOI) signed by the province and the IBEW will lead to a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the union’s local chapters and the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training. The partnership aims to develop a skilled workforce capable of supporting Saskatchewan’s expanding industries, including the potential for training in nuclear power generation.
Russ Shewchuk, IBEW Canada’s international vice president, praised the government’s approach to workforce development. “This partnership exemplifies how excellence in workforce development can create unparalleled opportunities for skilled professionals and build a stronger, more resilient electrical industry,” Shewchuk said.
Government-funded, union-led apprenticeship programs have a history of success in other provinces, with high completion rates among participants. Saskatchewan officials are optimistic that similar outcomes can be achieved in the province as it seeks to fill growing demands for skilled tradespeople.
“With Saskatchewan growing at its fastest pace in more than a century, we are implementing collaborative approaches to prepare Saskatchewan people for the jobs our economy is creating,” said Jeremy Harrison, minister of immigration and career training. Harrison also pointed to the IBEW’s success in other provinces and expressed confidence that similar results could be achieved in Saskatchewan.
IBEW Local 2038 business manager Jeff Sweet emphasized the significance of the training in preparing the province’s workforce for future projects. “We mean to ensure Saskatchewan’s workers are prepared with top-notch instruction and hands-on learning,” Sweet said.
The announcement comes as Saskatchewan experiences rapid economic growth. Recent data from Statistics Canada shows that the value of building permits in the province grew by 47.5 per cent in July 2024 compared to the previous year, reaching $257 million. In 2023, Saskatchewan’s real GDP hit a record $77.9 billion, driven by strong investment and industry growth.
With private capital investment projected to reach $14.2 billion in 2024—an increase of 14.4 per cent over the previous year—demand for skilled labour is expected to remain high. The new apprenticeship training program is part of a broader effort to ensure the province has the workforce needed to sustain its growing economy.
“We are pleased to have this partnership in government that will allow the IBEW to develop a highly skilled workforce right here at home,” said IBEW Local 529 business manager Murray Palmer.