SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC
Saskatchewan Polytechnic alumni support the next generation of technologists

As the weather starts to cool, Christine Rogers, a Mechanical Engineering Technology alumna and P.Tech., is gearing up for a change in her work, as people look for heating solutions before the crisp Saskatchewan weather gets too cold.

Rogers is a sales agent and partner at Cypress Sales Partnership specializing in HVAC equipment. Her career has evolved over the years, from working on project estimates and project management to systems design and engineering sales roles.

"There are many diverse careers that you can have as a graduate of this program. I encourage current students to keep an open mind as to their strengths because that can lead you towards the path you should be on," says Rogers. "When I was a student, I thought I wanted a design or drafting role, but I'm in technical sales and enjoying it so much."

Fellow Mechanical Engineering Technology alumna and P.Tech., Steve Schiml, is a partner and director of Technology at Daniels Wingerak Engineering Ltd. He's working through the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan to become an engineering licensee. Once he receives the designation, he will be a stamping engineer in HVAC. This is the next step in Schiml's career, having worked on projects across Saskatchewan.

"Every design is a little bit different. We're always working with the client and final building owner/operator to make sure we deliver the right building for every scenario," he says. "We see our work first-hand in the communities we live in. It's very fulfilling."

The Mechanical Engineering Technology program is nationally accredited by Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC).  Both Rogers and Schiml have earned the professional designation of P.Tech. through Technology Professionals Saskatchewan (TPS).

TPS plays an important role in supporting many Sask Polytech graduates across fourteen programs as they transition into their careers. The organization evaluates the qualifications of technologist and technician graduates and grants them professional designations. TPS members registered in global disciplines must abide by a stringent Code of Ethics and are subject to disciplinary procedures under the Saskatchewan Applied Science Technologists and Technicians Act.

Demand for TPS-designated professionals remains strong across a range of industries. Many employers specifically seek TPS-registered candidates because their credentials demonstrate recognized education, professional experience and a commitment to public safety and industry standards.

Schiml says one advantage of studying Mechanical Engineering Technology was the ability to find work quickly because of the program's versatile education.

"There's a narrow idea of which industries mech techs work in, what their job is and what their roles are. It's so much wider than what people realize. We can do almost anything and work in almost every industry," he says.

In addition to receiving professional registration, Sask Polytech alumni get involved with TPS by volunteering and joining its numerous boards and committees. Through a memorandum of understanding with the Faculty of Technology and Skilled Trades, TPS and its members have the opportunity to do classroom presentations and participate in the development of curriculum through representation on program advisory committees (PACs).

"I want to emphasize the excellent working relationship we have with Sask Polytech. The partnership benefits both organizations," says Jaime Feltis, P.Tech., TPS CEO and registrar. "Not all applied science and engineering technology post-secondary programs across Canada are nationally accredited by TAC.  Due to the efforts of Sask Polytech's dean and instructors in the Faculty of Technology and Skilled Trades we are fortunate that fourteen of these programs are nationally accredited." 

Graduates are therefore assured that their academic credentials are recognized across Canada.

Adds Deanna Hermann, interim dean of the faculty, "These connections enable the next generation of professionals to gain insight into industry requirements while networking with potential future employers. Our faculty is very appreciative of all the work TPS does to support our students and graduates and for their continued advocacy on behalf of technologists in the province."

Demand for TPS-designated professionals remains strong across a range of industries. Many employers specifically seek TPS-registered candidates because their credentials demonstrate recognized education, professional experience and a commitment to public safety and industry standards.

Rogers and Schiml are continuing that cycle by serving on a PAC, helping ensure programs remain relevant and aligned with evolving industry needs. Stephanie Pow a Civil Engineering Technologies, Water Resources option alumna, also sits on a PAC and has hired co-operative education students in the past.

Pow serves as the head of operations for Saskatchewan at Water Survey of Canada. She has travelled across the province and from as far as Halifax to Prince George to work on major national projects.

"This career is an entire lifestyle. If you genuinely enjoy being outdoors and travelling, this is a great option," says Pow. "There's a balance of field work and office work, collecting field data and then processing it in the office."

"It's an amazing, rewarding career to work in. There are a lot of opportunities to do many different things. I learn every day. The work we do isn't stagnant," says Pow.

The experiences of Rogers, Schiml and Pow illustrate a cycle that benefits both students and industry: graduates build careers using their Sask Polytech education, earn professional credentials, gain industry experience and then bring that knowledge back to help prepare the next generation.

Working alongside TPS and with input from industry professionals serving on PACs, Sask Polytech is helping provide industries with qualified, work-ready graduates to meet labour market demand.

Sask Polytech's Faculty of Technology and Skilled Trades encompasses four schools that offer future-forward programs in diverse sectors from agriculture and mining to technology, natural resources and renewable energy. Fourteen of these programs receive professional designations through TPS. 

Technology Professionals Saskatchewan is the only regulatory body in the province for professional technologists and certified technicians. The designations evolve as professionals gain experience, from student membership to associate membership to recognition as professional technologists and certified technicians.