Applied research at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Hannin Creek Educational Facility enables students to familiarize themselves with the demands of the natural resource sector.
In the words of Saskatchewan Polytechnic's president and CEO, Larry Rosia, "Partnerships are embedded in our DNA. They're fundamental to our role as Saskatchewan's sole polytechnic."
As post-secondary institutions, polytechnics are intensively focused on graduating students with job-ready skills to meet employer and labourmarket needs, in important economic sectors. Industry connections and collaborations are paramount, as are applied-research partnerships.
Partnerships with employers and industry associations strengthen all aspects of educational programming, says Dr. Rosia. In addition to providing co-op placements and apprenticeships, employers work with the polytechnic to design courses and advise on program enhancements. "These partnerships allow us to deliver applied, hands-on learning and work experience with great value for students and employers – 93 per cent of our graduates get employment and 96 per cent of employers say they would hire another Saskatchewan Polytechnic graduate."
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| Applied research at Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Hannin Creek Educational Facility enables students to familiarize themselves with the demands of the natural resource sector. SUPPLIED |
Other collaborations with government and industry sectors address workforce training needs in Saskatchewan and elsewhere in the country. In one project, the Saskatchewan Mining Association (SMA) and Saskatchewan Polytechnic jointly developed a contractors' safety training program at the Centre for Minerals Innovation.
"This program established common provincial training standards for contractors working for SMA member companies, helping to provide safe work environments at all mining sites," says Dr. Rosia.
Another key priority is applied research projects – through which the institution, along with government and other partners, helps smaller companies find real-world solutions to practical problems and bolsters the Saskatchewan economy.
Western Economic Diversification Canada has supported Saskatchewan Polytechnic to build its applied research infrastructure over three years. Recently they provided nearly $350,000 in funding to allow purchase of new equipment for applied research projects at the Hannin Creek Educational Facility – a field camp for students in natural resources programs.
"The funding will allow us to acquire cutting-edge technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles for surveying and mapping, and hydro-acoustic technology to gather sonar data for mapping and monitoring lakes, rivers and reservoirs," says Dr. Rosia
"The opportunities for applied research and hands-on learning at Hannin Creek are limitless," he adds. "Both students and industry research partners will be able to conduct research in the station's new labs and training on the new equipment will give our students the knowledge, skills and abilities to meet the increasingly sophisticated demands of the natural resources sector."
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