SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC
RBC Foundation helps Sask Polytech students prepare for sustainable energy careers with $800,000 donation

RBC Foundation is making an $800,000 donation that will support Saskatchewan Polytechnic train the next generation of the sustainable energy sector workforce. Graduates from Sask Polytech's Faculty of Technology and Skilled Trades engineering technology programs are preparing to contribute to Canada's skills revolution and help guide sustainability efforts in the skilled trades industries. This donation will help Sask Polytech enhance current programming and course materials to equip current and future students develop green skills to support a sustainable economy and future, aligning with Canada's goal of achieving a net zero economy.

Image credit: Saskatchewan Polytechnic
 

"3.1 million Canadian jobs or 15 per cent of the labour force will be disrupted over the next 10 years as the country transitions towards a net zero economy," said Kim Ulmer, RBC regional president. "This donation is intended to help students upskill to take advantage of significant opportunities, with 235,000 to 400,000 new jobs predicted to be added in fields where enhanced skills will be critical."

Sask Polytech's Faculty of Technology and Skilled Trades programs are designed to be responsive to both industry and learner needs. They offer flexibility and maintain an academic focus that aligns closely with applied research. RBC Foundation's donation supports Sask Polytech's evolution of its programming to help enable broader accessibility through the creation of additional electives, new micro-credentials, custom training and adapt content within existing courses. This includes courses and new learning outcomes focused on solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and biofuels, promoting sustainable practices that reduce emissions.

"Thank you to RBC Foundation for your continued support to ensure our graduates are ready to help shape the sustainable energy sector workforce," says Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. "We currently offer multiple sustainability-focused courses and this funding will allow us to leverage our resources and expertise to offer additional programming and build new courses to enable students to gain green skills needed for their future careers. These skills are part of the foundation cultivating the innovative workforce required for Canada's swift transition to achieve climate goals."

"Sask Polytech is grateful for the support of RBC Foundation," says Brenda Suru, dean, Faculty of Technology and Skilled Trades. "Sustainability is one of our four values; it provides direction to working, living and learning in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. This donation will help us create multiple pathways for training to reduce emissions and improve sustainability. This includes students training for new careers and re-skilling and up-skilling the current workforce."

This funding will leverage Sask Polytech's existing infrastructure and equipment, such as the Energy and Resources Lab at the Moose Jaw campus. This lab focuses on sustainable energy technologies, smart grids and energy-efficient home construction, providing systems and equipment to develop new courses and custom training for workforce re-skilling and up-skilling. Sask Polytech will continue to meet with program advisory committees to identify and address workforce gaps related to emerging sustainability requirements, acting as a nimble partner and using existing labs and equipment to tackle real-world challenges and meet the needs of employers.

Being a member of an international network of post-secondary institutions, Sask Polytech is a signatory to the SDG Accord, a global initiative to further the United Nation (UN)'s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This funding contributes to the realization of SDG goals 4, 9, 7 11 and 13. Goal seven is to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. Continuing Sask Polytech's commitment to the SDGs will ensure that all learners have the opportunity to succeed and develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values that will allow them to contribute to a society that is at the heart of the global agenda. 

Learn more about Sask Polytech's Faculty of Technology and Skilled Trades.