By Melanie Jacob
Journal Editor
[email protected]
With the recent proclamation of the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Act, the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) will be able to operate as a polytechnic institution.
In a nutshell, it means SIAST, now called Saskatchewan Polytechnic, is a college capable of offering a range of certificate, apprenticeship, diploma, and degree programs.
"Our transformation is all about organizations that need to evolve and keep pace with the changes in our environment," said Larry Rosia, president and CEO of Saskatchewan Polytechnic. "Our programs will further develop critical thinking skills and enhance students' marketability to industries."
With their polytechnic authority, said Rosia, the institute will be able to expand their "transfer credit potential, leading to more seamless education and career mobility" between other polytechnics, universities, and colleges. It will also be easier for students to transfer between the different types of programs available, be it certificate or degree.
Moreover, the learning opportunities will be able to guide students at a level comparable to work place requirements.
"This will allows us to identify a need (in an industry) and create a program to fit that need," said Rosia. "It will help fill the void that's created by all the retiring baby boomers; the project leaders, project managers, etc. can train individuals to have those same skill sets."
In other words, the programs will be "industry-responsive" and fill gaps within the work force of Saskatchewan. They will continue to respond to the labour needs of employers and should continue in assisting in the labour shortage of certain industries.
"The Saskatchewan Plan for Growth includes a goal to add 60,000 workers by 2020," said a government news release. "The proclamation of this Act and creation of Saskatchewan Polytechnic will help to achieve this goal by providing increased applied training and education opportunities for post-secondary students in the province."
