Continuing the Transition
Saskatchewan Polytechnic launched the School of Continuing Education in mid-September. The new School of Continuing Education has evolved from only offering credit and non-credit courses and is responding to the changing nature of the work environment in Saskatchewan.
The school will focus on meeting the needs of local business communities by providing solutions tailored towards industries in which professional training is in high demand. The School of Continuing Education brings together internal expertise to advance professional development programs, corporate training and micro-credential offerings. Courses are market-driven and consistently updated to reflect emerging trends and best practices.
“The launch of the new School of Continuing Education is coming at a critical time in our province’s history,” says Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO. “It will allow for retraining and upskilling for those whose jobs have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new school will also help businesses ensure their employees continue to have the skill sets they will need to stay competitive as their industries change due to new technologies, shifting demographics and other factors.”
“We are in an era of rapid change and are ready to work with the business community to help them define needs and customize training to improve performance, profitability and marketability,” shares Paul Carter, dean, School of Continuing Education. “The school brings together a vast array of expertise across many industry spectrums to help professionals, employers and people looking for a career change.”
Denise Hauta, director, School of Continuing Education adds, “Sask Polytech’s new Micro-credentials allow people to develop new skills by taking smaller bite-size training. They are on-demand courses that teach only a few learning outcomes at a time, meaning people can customize their training path for what they require now. If learners choose to expand on their skills and add more micro-credentials, they can combine those together to earn credit.”
“The Workplace Essential courses are another option for lifelong learners to upgrade their skills. They are completely online, self-paced and available to start at any time throughout the year,” explains Hauta. The Workplace Essential courses focus on improving soft skills and developing or refining skills for the evolving workplace.
The School of Continuing Education also offers smaller credit programs such as Applied Project Management and Leadership Coaching Development. The school provides assistance with program innovation as well as government contract training.
Educational partnership programs are also available for employers through the school. The Career Enhancement Work Placement program connects students with businesses. Work placements provide students on-site skills as well as future employment potential. It also gives employers an opportunity to see what a student can do and how a student fits into their organization's culture.
To find out more about the Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Continuing Education and how to access training programs, please visit saskpolytech.ca/continuingeducation.
October 2020