The Government of Saskatchewan is using the first seven days of November to celebrate skilled trades people and their contributions to the economy.

A number of events are planned through out the week in Saskatoon at the Trades and Skills Centre there but right here in Humboldt Carlton Trail College is developing their fair share of productive trades people.

Murray Cook is the long time welding instructor at CTC. He applauded the Government's acknowledgment.

"It's extremely important. We look for highly skilled tradespeople to turn out high quality work for the people that are paying the bill so I guess this is step one for an educator."

It's officially recognized as Skilled Trades and Technology Week coinciding with the national initiative of the same title.

"I was just informed of this Monday," Cook added. "It just seems logical to me that some be taken to explain what these people do and how they do it and why they're doing it and what kind of level they are achieving."

Cook welcomed a new class of future welders on Tuesday. CTC also offers plumbing/pipefitting, electrical, as well as other courses for construction, mining and agricultural careers.

Cook appreciates all types of trades but he has been welding for 50 years almost so that sticks close to his heart. He adds that it's always been at the forefront in the Humboldt region with the likes of Schulte, Doepker and Bourgault Industries.

"We have quite a number of local manufacturers here, they all turn out extremely high quality products so to fit in their world you have to be highly skilled. It's nice to come from an area that does have a reputation for that type of workmanship and craftsmanship, and let's face it, it's being shipped all over the world."

CTC has plumbing/pipefitting courses starting in February in Humboldt that still has openings. If you are interested contact them at 682-2623.

As part of the week long celebration there is a try-a-trade event Wednesday in Saskatoon at the Trades Centre from 10am-3pm.

You can hear more from Cook below in his interview with Bolt FM's Clark Stork.