Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter
If you have a child about to attend trades school, Northern Sunrise County has created a special bursary program to help fund their endeavours.
Available are three bursaries of $1,000 each, for residents of Northern Sunrise County or the Village of Nampa enrolled in Trades Apprenticeship Programs with a minimum of six weeks.
“This is part of our bursary program offering financial support to students enrolled in trades apprenticeship programs,” says Northern Sunrise County economic development officer Lynn Florence.
“This program is vital for NSC because it provides financial support to local students pursuing post-secondary education, helping to reduce barriers and encouraging career development.
Florence explains this program helps reduce financial barriers to education, helps to support career development, and encourages skilled individuals to return and contribute to the local economy.
“There is a significant need for tradespeople in our area,” Florence notes.
“While many young trades professionals find employment in the oil industry, which is essential to our economy, this often creates a gap in the local workforce when specialized services like electrical, mechanical, or other trades are needed. By supporting students in trades programs, the County helps ensure that these critical skills remain available locally, strengthening our community’s resilience and self-sufficiency.”
This is the second year the program has been offered through the County and Florence says it comes with a two-year return to service agreement, ensuring recipients contribute to the local workforce.
“Starting in 2025, NSC will administer the bursary program directly, with three separate intakes per year,” Florence explains.
“This change is being made in response to the growing need for flexibility, especially for trades programs, which often have multiple start dates throughout the year. The current single intake model has proven insufficient to meet the needs of residents pursuing trade education,” she adds.
Florence explains that by moving to a County-administered model with multiple intakes, the program will better support students by aligning with the varied schedules of trade schools and ensuing timely access to financial assistance.
For more information, please email Florence at lflorence@northernsunrise.net.