Alyssa Stein recently completed the Agriculture Equipment Technician program at Sask Polytech. (Submitted photo/Sask Poly and RBC)

By Paid Partnership

RBC Future Launch

Saskatchewan Polytech and RBC team up to reduce barriers for youth in the trades

Dec 6, 2021 | 12:37 PM

There are multiple barriers that can get in the way of a young person trying to navigate a successful career, especially in the trades industry. A recent partnership between education, government, and business leaders is looking to reduce these barriers in Saskatchewan.

On Thursday, December 2^nd, RBC announced a $450,000 donation to support Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s skills enhancement programs, aimed at addressing the gaps in the trades. The funding will directly support Sask Polytech’s Skills Enhancement Training projects, helping to reduce barriers to education and employment for vulnerable and at-risk student populations in the province. The program focuses on females, Indigenous peoples, new Canadians, visible minorities, 2SLGBTQ+ and people with varying abilities.

One of the students that recently finished the program is Alyssa Stein, who took the Agriculture Equipment Technician program. She credits the program for opening a door to a career, which otherwise wouldn’t have been there for her.

“This course has been amazing,” says Stein. “I wouldn’t have been able to afford to go to school on my own, so it has totally changed my life. I didn’t ever think I would have a career four or five years ago, but I have a career now. It means the world to me.”

For Nakary Lopez, a recent graduate of the Parts Management Technician program, the support for youth from business and education leaders is very appreciated by her and her family.

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“The support for youth is great,” says Lopez. “It has helped me and my family a lot. I wish more companies would do the same, because not everyone has the chance to go to university or college on their own. So we work hard, and appreciate what they have done for us.”

Nakary Lopez Ojeda is a recent graduate of Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Parts Management Technician program. (Submitted photo/Sask Poly and RBC)

The investment is part of RBC Future Launch’s goal of closing the gap between unemployment rates in youth and those of prime-working age. The announcement was part of a presentation and panel discussion with Cynthia Leach, RBC Senior Director, Economic Thought Leadership, on its recently published report Powering Up: Preparing Canada’s skilled trades for a post-pandemic economy.

“Behind this gift from RBC is the importance of creating spaces for diverse communities to actively participate in all aspects of the economy of which skilled trades are key,” says RBC Regional President Kim Ulmer. “By creating access to training and skill development, Sask Polytech, in partnership with government and RBC, are removing barriers and helping create new opportunities towards a more inclusive Canada.”

Sask Polytech will offer student-centred essential trades training to underrepresented students at four campuses across Saskatchewan. Those who are interested can learn more at Sask Polytech’s website at saskpolytech.ca/newstart.

Dalton Wenaus recently completed Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Agriculture Equipment Technician Program. (Submitted photo/Sask Poly and RBC)

“I would like to thank RBC for supporting the COET (Creating Opportunities for Entry into the Trades) program at SaskPoly,” says Dalton Wenaus, who also recently completed the Agriculture Equipment Technician Program. “It really benefits and helps us to further develop ourselves to help pursue a future career.”

For more information on RBC Future Launch, visit rbc.com/futurelaunch

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*This content was created by paNOW’s commercial content division.