First of all, the idea that the skilled trades are somehow a consolation prize for kids who couldn't get into university is a fairly long-standing stigma. I and colleagues across the country are working very hard to try to change that perception and promote skilled trades as a first-choice career option.
We were fortunate to participate within Saskatchewan in a survey involving Saskatchewan post-secondary institutions, a recent graduation completion survey. Of course, our graduates are journeypeople and we are out actively promoting the results of that survey.
One interesting thing to consider is our newly certified journeypeople in Saskatchewan earn more annually than respondents from any other institution in Saskatchewan. The average income for a main job in Saskatchewan for 2009-10 graduates was around $56,000 a year. Those graduating from the SATCC make an average of $79,864, and that's second only to those who are graduating with a Ph.D. or a doctorate. That group makes only an average of $80,490. That's just over $1,000 more than a graduating journeyperson.
I think getting out and talking about some of the financial advantages as well as the lifestyle advantages that a career within the skilled trades offers is an important step to changing some of those perceptions.