Saskatchewan Polytech and RBC team up to reduce barriers for youth in the trades
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 2nd, 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.”