SASKATOON — The renewed partnership between Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre will give students in the province, especially those graduating each school year, more options for the career paths they can pursue.
On Monday, June 22, Saskatchewan Polytechnic president and CEO Larry Rosia and Sask DLC CEO Darren Gasper signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen opportunities for provincial students to explore more careers over the next five years.
Education Minister Everett Hindley, who is also minister responsible for Sask DLC, and Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff joined officials and other representatives of all agencies in witnessing the signing at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s administration office in the city.
Hindley said the MOU is designed to strengthen career pathways and better connect students with post-secondary training, career exploration and opportunities to earn credentials after graduation, aligning with the province’s labour market needs.
“This is a very significant announcement for high school students across Saskatchewan when it comes to what their life looks like after graduation. Graduation season is about celebrating academic success, but it also marks the start of the next chapter in their lives,” said Hindley.
He added that the MOU helps strengthen those pathways, noting that students can work toward their desired careers and identify the courses and prerequisites they need to reach those goals, whether through their local schools, Sask DLC or Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
Hindley said labour demands in industries in the province, such as agriculture, construction and health care, are growing, and the current workforce is facing retirements that can be filled by students who choose the same career paths.
“This agreement is about helping Saskatchewan high school students see a clear path to a meaningful career. Students benefit when they can see the connection between what they are learning in a classroom or online and the opportunities available to them tomorrow,” added Hindley.
Cheveldayoff, meanwhile, said the MOU supports the provincial government’s goal of helping students successfully transition from high school to post-secondary education as they begin their new journey toward personal growth, careers, community connections and practical skills.
Gasper, in his opening remarks, said the MOU aligns with their mission to create more career opportunities for students in every corner of the province through online education, introducing them to subjects of interest and preparing them for life after Grade 12.
Rosia added that the MOU reinforces Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s relationship with Sask DLC, which they have cultivated over the years through several collaborative initiatives already in place. He noted that about 5,000 students graduated from Saskatchewan Polytechnic this year, with 94 per cent moving directly into employment.
