SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC
Mature students and alumni share their experiences at Returning to Learning events in March

Higher education opens doors to new opportunities a statement as true for someone closer to retirement age as it is for someone fresh out of high school. For mature learners, though, returning to the classroom is a big step that sometimes brings apprehension. That's the inspiration behind Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Returning to Learning events, being held for a second year this March in all four campus cities.

"Mature learners have different questions and concerns than students taking a more traditional pathway," says Ben Slowski, Sask Polytech's manager of strategic enrolment management. "They may have been in the workforce for some time, or perhaps underemployed or looking after family. Becoming a student again can be a bit scary. We hope to allay some fears by introducing them to current students and alumni who were once in the same boat."

Sask Polytech students range in age but are, on average, slightly older than most post-secondary students. Providing prospective students an opportunity to check out Sask Polytech, the Returning to Learning events bring together staff, faculty, alumni and fellow mature students to share their experiences.

Robynn Hueser, who will attend the Prince Albert event as a panelist, is currently enrolled in the Carpentry certificate. "My mom is my number one role model," she says, noting that her mother also changed her career in her mid-30s. Hueser experienced career growth and success working in healthcare but she's curious to see where a career change might take her.

"I've done a lot of personal work over the past few years, healing and figuring out what makes me happy," Hueser explains. Soul searching prompted her to consider what she wants to do with the next phase of life, and Hueser says she felt pulled by the trades. After attending a Women in Trades and Technology (WITT) event at Sask Polytech, she applied to the carpentry program, sharing, "My dream is to run my own all-women, all-Aboriginal construction company."

For Robyn Dutertre, a Business diploma student on the Moose Jaw panel, career stagnation prompted her to return to the classroom. The professional chef spent more than twenty years managing food services for a major day-care centre but she was forced to supplement her income with other jobs. "I finally took a hard look at where my career was going," says Dutertre, "and I wasn't entirely satisfied. I realized that there's still a chance to take my life in a new direction."

Dutertre, who always enjoyed sports, applied for a job as a game-day entertainment director but she lacked qualifications. While researching the skills she'd need, she discovered the Sport Management specialization within Sask Polytech's two-year Business diploma program. "I worked incredibly hard to complete the Business certificate program online through Continuing Education (CE) so I'd be ready to transfer to the second-year diploma specialization in person," she says. "It was amazing to have a flexible option to get me there."

Dutertre remembers having nerves about being up to date on technology. "I had so many fears," she recalls. "How could I afford this? Would I be successful? I had never even made a PowerPoint presentation! But I thought, If I'm going to blow up my life, I'm going to go big."

Welding certificate student Cheyanne Reimer, a panelist at the Saskatoon event, made a similar career shift in her twenties. "Out of high school I thought I wanted to do administrative-type work, so I did some business training," she shares. "After finishing I started in customer service, then moved my way up. A co-worker told me I was never going to fulfill my potential in that line of work. Her daughter, who works at Sask Polytech, told her about the trades exploration workshops through WITT, and she suggested I try one."

"I was a bit nervous going into a program where I thought I might be the only woman but welding has been fantastic," says Reimer. "The faculty are all really accepting, great at their jobs and provide a safe environment. And I'm not the only woman here. Going back to do further education was the right choice."

Matthew Berube, who will speak alongside Reimer at the Saskatoon event, says he found balancing family life with the demands of an intensive program a challenge. The former plumber and father of two decided to complete his Mechanical Engineering Technology diploma in three years rather than two to take some of the pressure off. "My program head worked closely with me to choose the sequencing of courses that would give me the best chance at success, which was a relief. I'm still a good parent and spouse."

Berube learned a few years ago that his processing speed is different from most learners and has accessed supports to ensure his success. "Accessibility services set me up with resources and accommodations, like being able to take a little longer on tests. I'm working hard and doing well."

Jamie Dae, who will be part of the Regina event panel, was forced to step back from the profession he loved when injury made working as a Red Seal mechanic unmanageable.  Decades after Dae took his automotive service technician training, he visited Sask Polytech's Open House. Dae has now completed Adult Education courses to upgrade pre-requisites he'll need to apply for the Engineering Design and Drafting Technology (EDDT) program, which piques his interest. "I took Pre-Cal 30 math and have just passed my Physics 30 with 93 per cent. I had no idea I was good at this stuff," says Dae. "My biggest fear as an adult learner was not knowing how I'd do with academics. Everyone from the admission staff to learning services and library to counselling services were helpful. They all made a difference."

"What I'm learning is that the life experience from each job I've had carries over," says Dae. "I know if I end up in the EDDT program my work in automotive will make me better at designing parts, because I understand what a badly designed part means for the people who use them."

Laurel McLean also has years of life experience, having worked various jobs and training in diverse subjects ranging from the trades to psychology. The panelist for the Moose Jaw event returned to the classroom in the Agriculture and Food Production diploma at the urging of her mother, who she cared for during a terminal illness. "She really wanted me to get more education," McLean says. "I've done a lot of jobs over the years and taken lots of different paths than haven't been quite right. My mom wanted me to find something I love."

The thirty-one-year-old is one of the oldest in her program but has embraced student life, even establishing a Moose Jaw campus Pride group. She's discovered she's a better student than she was in the past. "The key is finding something that you really want to do," she advises. "My dream is to own my own farm so now I'm focussed and learning everything I can."

Common to all panelists is excitement at the opportunities returning to learning has already opened for them. Dutertre was one of two sport management students chosen to help execute the Canadian Football Leage Players Association Grey Cup headquarters. The former chef hopes to work for the NHL or major league baseball once she graduates, and contacts she made through her program have encouraged her to reach out. "I'm really excited about my future. Who would have thought I'd end up here, encouraging others and planning my next move?" she says with a grin.

To register for the Returning to Learning events on March 11 (Moose Jaw), March 12 (Regina), March 18 (Prince Albert) and March 19 (Saskatoon), or our virtual event on March 26, visit our website.