SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC
No wrong place to start: Sask Polytech programs meet you where you are

For Heidi Wakaluk, retirement didn't feel like a reward. It felt like a rut.

"I was bored, watching too much TV and letting myself go," says Wakaluk, who had spent years in the private sector before stepping back from full-time work. "By 58, I couldn't get a job. I felt defeated."

That changed when she saw a Facebook post about a Saskatchewan Polytechnic workforce development program designed to help adults re-enter the workforce. She clicked, attended an information session, applied and found herself on a path that would reignite her confidence and career.

"It gave me direction, routine, conversation," she says. "I didn't want to be recorded on video while practicing for future job interviews, that made me uncomfortable, but in the end, it helped me a lot."

Her work placement led to a role with the Government of Saskatchewan in social services. Now, she's giving back by helping Sask Polytech with recruitment and mentoring new participants.

"I owe a lot to Sask Polytech, my instructors and fellow classmates," she says. "I want to give hope to others it is possible to find a fulfilling career."

Michaelene Diebel shares a similar story. After decades of experience, she found herself job hunting full-time and getting nowhere.

"I was applying every day and hearing nothing," says Diebel. "It was pretty disheartening, and I realized I was being passed by. I felt that maybe my age played a factor."

Her younger sister encouraged her to contact Sask Polytech. That inquiry led her to Continuing Education.

Within weeks, she was attending an info session and starting classes. The eight-week classroom training helped her rediscover her strengths and build new skills, including computer upgrading.

"It was challenging. I was dog tired every day," she says. "But I kept pushing forward. There was a sign in the classroom that says, Trust the process.' And it's true. The process works." She credits her instructors for making the difference. "Their patience and encouragement meant everything."

During the professional pathways portion of the program, Diebel took a work placement at CAA Saskatchewan and has been thriving there since March.

"I work in Communications, supporting the team, managing the promo items inventory and dealing with suppliers, processing invoices, writing testimonials, helping with the CAA School Safety Patrol program, and helping out with events and sponsorships" she says. "I love it. My team is awesome; the culture is great."

Angel Blair, communications manager at CAA Saskatchewan, says Diebel joining the team has been a wonderful experience. "You can always find a way to train someone for day-to-day tasks but finding someone with life experience and a real zest to work is invaluable," she says. "We didn't have a job for Michaelene when her work term was over but the skill set from her past was benefiting our team so much, we knew we had to find a way to keep her on staff.  I would highly encourage companies to consider those trying to re-enter the workforce, they may have talent you didn't know your team needed."

"Don't be afraid to hire someone in their 60s," Diebel says. "We have so much wisdom from life, have things to contribute to a workforce. We are not done. If we are applying for work, we want to be active and contribute."

Both women say Sask Polytech was the shift they needed to find their confidence and reclaim their careers.

"Age has no limits," says Wakaluk. "I'm breaking barriers."

The next workforce development program is Career Enhancement, an 18-week employment training program for unemployed Saskatchewan residents at any stage in their employment journey who want to build their employability skills and confidence to overcome challenges in attaining and maintaining employment. Participants will spend 10 weeks in classroom training and eight weeks in professional pathways. Whether you're launching, shifting or reigniting your career, the Career Enhancement program meets you where you are at.

Applications are now open for the December 1 intake. For eligibility details and registration information, visit the Career Enhancement webpage. 

If interested in the program, please attend an information session, or contact career.enhancement@saskpolytech.ca or 306-775-7467 for more information.

Career Enhancement is delivered in partnership and with funding from the Government of Saskatchewan's Ministry of Immigration and Career Training. Thanks to funding from Canada Life, Sask Polytech delivered its final fall offering of workforce development and skills training tailored for older workers. This successful model has shown strong impact, and we're hopeful it can be sustained through future funding partnerships.