Three Saskatchewan-based groups are uniting to improve access to educational opportunities in the skilled trades.
On June 22, Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre, Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the Government of Saskatchewan signed a five-year memorandum of understanding to expand flexible learning and career exploration for students across the province.
The agreement builds on existing work between Sask DLC and Saskatchewan Polytechnic to connect middle years and high school students with post-secondary options and career pathways.
Over the past three years, the two organizations have offered one-day, on-campus learning camps in areas including autobody, mechanics, agriculture technician, parts and tourism. The new agreement will support work on additional programming in healthcare, building trades, welding and other sectors facing labour shortages.
Minister Responsible for Sask DLC Everett Hindley (pictured) said the partnership supports the organization’s role in connecting students with education and career options.
“Providing Saskatchewan students with strong connections between education and career opportunities is an important part of Sask DLC’s mission,” Hindley said. “This partnership with Saskatchewan Polytechnic will help to open doors for students as they prepare to make decisions about future careers and contribute to Saskatchewan’s growing economy.”
Minister of Advanced Education Ken Cheveldayoff said the initiative is intended to support student transitions from secondary to post-secondary education.
“This partnership will create clearer pathways to post-secondary education and employment for students, helping to secure a more prosperous future for them and our province,” Cheveldayoff said.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic president and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia said the agreement will support more hands-on learning opportunities for students.
“Strengthening pathways between secondary and post-secondary education is essential to helping students make confident, informed decisions about their futures,” Rosia said. “Our partnership with Sask DLC builds on our shared commitment to flexible, hands-on learning opportunities that connect students to high-demand careers and support the province’s evolving workforce needs.”
The MOU aligns with Sask DLC’s Kindergarten-to-Career strategy and Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Leading the Rise 2026-2030 strategic plan. The organizations will continue reviewing program-development options tied to provincial workforce needs.
