Saskatoon Trades and Skills Centre

What Saskatoon Trades and Skills Centre does

Saskatoon Trades and Skills Centre (STSC) is a non-profit charitable organization founded in 2008 and headquartered at 450 Avenue W North in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. STSC delivers free, entry-level employment training programs to adults and older youth facing barriers to employment — including newcomers, Indigenous persons, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with limited work experience, education, childcare, transportation, or language resources. The organization runs a portfolio of roughly ten seasonally-staggered training programs across three sectors: construction trades (Intro to Construction, Basic Carpentry, Steel Stud and Drywall, Landscape Labourer), human services (Early Childhood Education, Personal Care Aid, Personal Care Attendant, Community Shelter Worker), and customer service/hospitality (Customer Service), with a recent 2026 addition of a Warehouse Worker program featuring the CITT Introduction to Canadian Logistics MicroCredential. Each course combines classroom instruction (in-person with virtual portions) with industry-recognized safety certifications (WHMIS, First Aid/CPR, Fall Protection, Forklift, etc.), followed by a 1-3 week paid work placement with one of 80+ employer partners including PCL Construction, Brandt, Nutrien, Trinity Manor, Wright Construction, Saputo, and Canadian Tire.

Operating with a lean staff of approximately six people led by Executive Director Karen Cederwall, STSC runs a referral-driven, community-led go-to-market motion. Recruitment flows through referral partnerships with organizations including YWCA Employment, Saskatoon Open Door Society, Saskatoon Tribal Council, Global Gathering Place, Radius Community Centre, and SaskJobs/Career Services, supplemented by Facebook, Instagram, newsletters, the company website, and bus bench advertising. All training is provided free of charge; participants receive wage subsidies at minimum wage during in-class (30 hrs/week) and work placement (40 hrs/week) periods, and STSC covers all safety certificate fees and placement wages plus insurance. The program claims cumulative outcomes of 4,017 enrolled participants, 3,263 completions (81% completion rate), 291 courses offered, and 80% post-graduation employment within six months, with a notable employer testimonial from Trinity Manor citing attainment of 10% Indigenous workforce representation through the STSC placement pipeline.

STSC is funded through government grants and non-profit revenue streams (revenue is not publicly disclosed) and operates exclusively within Saskatchewan under eligibility restrictions that require Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or a valid open work permit. There is no proprietary technology platform beyond the website's online application system, and no IP, patents, or AI capabilities are disclosed. The organization maintains strategic co-development relationships with sister organization Regina Trades and Skills Centre, Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC), Saskatchewan Polytechnic, the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training, and roughly 35 additional member/employer/community organizations spanning school divisions, unions, industry associations, and Indigenous-serving institutions.

Name

Saskatoon Trades and Skills Centre

Legal name

Saskatoon Trades and Skills Centre

Website

https://saskatoontradesandskills.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Saskatoon Trades and Skills Centre is a Saskatoon-based non-profit charitable organization founded in 2008 that delivers free, entry-level employment training in construction trades, human services, and hospitality to adults facing barriers to work, integrating classroom instruction with employer-paid work placements and wage subsidies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Training

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Employment Agencies (7361)

akta.pro primary industry

Workforce Development, Employment Readiness & Job Placement (BPADAKAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Work-Based Learning Programs (Internships, Apprenticeships, Community-Based Instruction) (EDAKANAF), Apprenticeships, Internships & Work-Based Learning Programs (BPACANAK), Employment & Job Readiness Support Services (BPAGAEAJ)

Keywords

• Employment skills training
• Construction trades training
• Human services training
• Workplace barrier programs
• Nonprofit workforce development

Headquarters

HQ city

Saskatoon

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Non-profit funding and government grants: STSC is a non-profit charitable organization that operates on government funding and grants. All courses are provided free to participants, with participants receiving wage subsidies at minimum wage rates. STSC covers all required safety certificates for participants. This is not a revenue-generating commercial enterprise but a publicly funded training initiative.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Saskatoon Trades and Skills Centre delivers free, entry-level employment training programs in construction trades, human services, and customer service/hospitality to adults facing barriers to employment. Each program integrates classroom instruction, mandatory safety certifications, and a 1-3 week paid work placement with a local employer partner. Participants receive a wage subsidy at minimum wage during training and placements, with all safety certificate costs covered by the non-profit.

Product overview

Saskatoon Trades and Skills Centre provides free, entry-level employment training programs for individuals facing barriers to employment. The organization operates a portfolio of training programs across three main sectors: construction trades (Intro to Construction, Basic Carpentry, Steel Stud and Drywall, Landscape Labourer), human services (Early Childhood Education, Domestic Care Aid, Personal Care Attendant, Community Shelter Worker), and customer service/hospitality (Customer Service). Each program includes safety certifications, workplace essential skills training, and mandatory work placements with local employers. The Centre also delivers community construction projects for local organizations. Programs are offered seasonally with staggered application periods and include wage subsidies for participants.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Early Childhood Education Entry-level training program in early childhood education covering ECE Level I coursework, child development, and practical placement in childcare settings. Designed for adults facing barriers to employment seeking entry into the early childhood education sector.
• Intro to Construction Entry-level construction trades training covering safety certifications (SCOT/R&R, Fall Protection, Aerial Work Platform), tool safety, and hands-on construction skills with work placement.
• Customer Service Six-week customer service training covering service best practices, sales techniques, and hospitality skills with a two-week work placement.
• Community Shelter Worker Six-week program training participants in compassionate crisis response, suicide intervention, trauma-informed care, and cultural humility for staffing winter warming centres.
• Basic Carpentry Eight-week carpentry training covering SCOT/R&R, frame scaffolding, drywall application, aerial platform training, with three-week hands-on training and two-week work placement.
• Steel Stud and Drywall Seven-week program covering steel stud construction, drywall application, tool safety, with two weeks hands-on training and two-week work placement.
• Domestic Care Aid Training program covering personal care skills, basic life support, first aid, and work essential skills with three weeks on-the-job training.
• Warehouse Worker with CITT Introduction to Canadian Logistics MicroCredential Warehouse operations training including CITT micro-credential, forklift training, TDG certification, with two weeks on-the-job training.
• Personal Care Attendant Entry-level training for personal care attendant roles covering essential caregiving skills and workplace preparation.
• Landscape Labourer Landscape labourer training covering first aid, CPR, skid steer and aerial platform operations with three-week work placement.
• Community Projects Construction trades programs include three weeks of practical learning, most often building small projects for local organizations such as tipi pole storage units, garden sheds, and community garden builds. Delivered as part of training program practicals.

Quantifiable outcome

• 80% employment rate among graduates within 6 months of program completion
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

38 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Regina Trades and Skills CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister organization providing similar training services in Regina, Saskatchewan. Both organizations work together to support workforce development across the province.
• Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment body regulating apprenticeship and trade certification in Saskatchewan. STSC refers participants interested in becoming journeypersons to additional training through SATCC.
• Saskatchewan PolytechniccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPost-secondary institution offering technical and trades education. STSC works with Sask Polytech as a member organization to support pathway opportunities for graduates.
• Dumont Technical InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnical training institute serving Indigenous communities. STSC partners with DTI as a member organization and referral partner for training programs.
• Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPost-secondary institute serving First Nations and Métis learners in Saskatchewan. STSC collaborates with SIIT as a member organization.
• Saskatoon Open Door Society (SODS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization supporting refugees and immigrants in Saskatoon. STSC partners with SODS for referral of newcomers to Canada who face employment barriers.
• City of SaskatoonmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal government partner. STSC partners with the City of Saskatoon as both an employer for work placements and a community partner organization.
• Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools (GSCS)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool division partner. STSC works with GSCS as both an employer referral source and member organization supporting educational pathways.
• Saskatoon Public SchoolsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic school division partner. STSC collaborates with Saskatoon Public Schools as an employer partner and member organization.
• NutrienmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor Saskatchewan-based resource company. Nutrien is listed as an employer partner for work placements in STSC programs.
• PCL ConstructionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor construction company operating across North America. PCL Construction is an employer partner providing work placements for STSC graduates in construction trades.
• BrandtmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSaskatchewan-based equipment dealer and manufacturer. Brandt is an employer partner for STSC construction and trades programs.
• Correctional Service of CanadamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal government agency. CSC partners with STSC as a community organization supporting employment for individuals facing barriers.
• Saskatchewan Construction AssociationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry association representing construction companies. STSC works with SCA as a member organization to align training with employer needs.
• Saskatoon Tribal CouncilmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst Nations organization representing several Saskatoon-area communities. STSC partners with STC to support Indigenous workforce participation, with testimonials indicating success in achieving 10% Indigenous employment at partner workplaces.
• Canadian Mental Health AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMental health advocacy and support organization. CMHA is listed as a community partner organization.
• CHEP Good FoodcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity food security organization. CHEP is listed as a community partner organization.
• Global Gathering PlacecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization supporting immigrants and refugees in Saskatoon. STSC partners with Global Gathering Place for referrals.
• Skills CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization promoting skilled trades and technologies. STSC partners with Skills Canada as a member organization.
• Prairie Spirit School DivisioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool division partner. STSC collaborates with Prairie Spirit as a member organization.
• Radius Community CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity centre in Saskatoon. Radius is listed as a referral source for STSC programs.
• St. John's AmbulanceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst aid and safety training organization. STSC partners with St. John's Ambulance for First Aid/CPR certification for participants.
• Tourism SaskatchewanminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvincial tourism organization. Tourism Saskatchewan is listed as a community partner.
• University of SaskatchewanminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvincial university. The University of Saskatchewan is listed as a community partner organization.
• Victory SafetyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSafety equipment and training company. Victory Safety is listed as a community partner.
• Ministry of Immigration & Career TrainingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvincial government ministry. STSC works with the Ministry as a member organization and through funding arrangements.
• Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnion representing bricklayers and masonry workers. BAC is a member organization supporting STSC's construction trades training.
• Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLabour union. CLAC is a member organization supporting workforce development in construction trades.
• Electrical Contractors Association (ECA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry association for electrical contractors. ECA is a member organization supporting STSC training alignment with industry needs.
• Black & McDonaldmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulti-trade contractor. Black & McDonald is an employer partner providing work placements for STSC graduates in construction and trades.
• Wright ConstructionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConstruction company. Wright Construction is an employer partner for STSC construction trades programs.
• Canadian TiremajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRetail company. Canadian Tire is an employer partner for work placements, particularly in customer service and warehouse roles.
• Real Canadian SuperstoremajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrocery retail chain. Real Canadian Superstore is an employer partner for customer service and hospitality placements.
• SaputomajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDairy and nutrition company. Saputo is an employer partner for STSC work placements.
• YMCA of SaskatoonmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity organization. YMCA of Saskatoon is an employer partner and community organization.
• Trinity ManormajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerContinuing care facility. Trinity Manor is an employer partner providing work placements for Early Childhood Education and human services graduates.
• BGC Early Learning CentremajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBefore and after school care provider. BGC Early Learning Centre is an employer partner for ECE placements.
• Crestline CoachminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpecialty vehicle manufacturer. Crestline Coach is an employer partner for STSC programs.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Regina Trades and Skills Centre: Sister organization in Regina, Saskatchewan operating the same non-profit, free training, earn-while-you-learn model with construction, human services, and hospitality placements. The closest possible peer in the same province.
• ACCES Employment: Toronto-based non-profit providing employment services, bridging programs, and mentoring for immigrants and individuals facing barriers to employment. Highly comparable mission, funding model (government grants), and free-to-participant delivery.
• Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT): Saskatchewan post-secondary institute serving First Nations and Métis learners with trades and technical training, including apprenticeship pathways. STSC is an SIIT member organization, and SIIT targets a similar Indigenous-barriered population.
• JVS Toronto: Established Canadian non-profit delivering free employment assessment, skills training, and job placement services for job seekers facing barriers, including immigrants, youth, and individuals with disabilities. Comparable government-funded, free-to-participant employment services model.
• Opportunities for Employment (OFE): Winnipeg-based non-profit providing free employment readiness training, work placements, and ongoing coaching to individuals facing multiple barriers to employment. Directly comparable Prairies-region model and target population.
• Dumont Technical Institute: Saskatchewan-based technical training institute serving Indigenous communities with trades, adult education, and employment-readiness programming. STSC lists DTI as a referral partner, and the mission and learner population substantially overlap.
• Building Up: Toronto-based non-profit providing free construction trades training, safety certifications, and paid work placements to people facing employment barriers. Directly comparable in trades focus, earn-while-you-learn model, and barriered-population target.

Broad incumbents

• Saskatchewan Polytechnic: Larger Saskatchewan post-secondary institution offering credentialed trades and technical programs. Operates in the same workforce-development space as STSC but with formal diplomas, paid tuition, and a much broader program portfolio.

Regional players

• YWCA Employment Services (Saskatoon): Saskatoon-based YWCA program providing employment services for women and newcomers, including referrals that feed STSC's pipeline. Adjacent non-profit employment-services model focused on the same target population in the same city.
• Mosaic Newcomer Family Resource Network: Calgary-based non-profit serving immigrants and refugees with employment readiness, language training, and job placement services. Comparable immigrant-employment-services model, but operates in a different Western Canadian city.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/SaskatoonTradesAndSkills
• Instagraminstagram.com/saskatoon_trades_and_skills
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/saskatoon-trades-and-skills-centre

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Saskatoon Trades and Skills Centre