SASKATCHEWAN POLYTECHNIC
Saskatchewan Polytechnic celebrates 40 years of co-operative education

As Saskatchewan Polytechnic celebrates 40 years of co-operative education work placements, the career journey of Electrical Engineering Technology alum Dion Mohr-Parker stands as a shining example of how education and industry partnerships continue to fuel student success.

Mohr-Parker, who hails from Gray, Saskatchewan, grew up in a bustling family of six children and was heavily involved in competitive sports like hockey, football and boxing. After high school, his path wasn't immediately clear. "All I wanted to do was box," Mohr-Parker recalled. "I worked as a personal trainer just so I could train and compete." However, influenced by his father's advice to take math and sciences and eventually by his father's own career in power engineering Mohr-Parker enrolled in Sask Polytech's Power Engineering program in 2019. He later transitioned into the Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) program, finding a discipline that challenged him and opened new doors.

"The EET program was challenging, and that's what drew me to it," Mohr-Parker explained. "Once you go through that program, you have so many different avenues you can take for work."

One of the most impactful elements of Mohr-Parker's education was the co-operative work placements built into the program. After an initial work term, he joined Rising Edge Group (Rising Edge) for his second and third placements an experience that ultimately launched his full-time career.

"Dion's success showcases the impact of co-operative education that blends academics and work integrated learning," says Ian Morrison, Sask Polytech co-operative education coordinator. "Our partnerships with industry leaders provide students with essential skills and experiences for their careers."

Rising Edge, a high-voltage electrical EPC turnkey partner with operations across North America, has a strong Canadian foundation, headquartered in Calgary with regional offices in Regina and an expanding presence in Saskatoon and the Atlantic provinces. The company was started in 2002 by three founders working out of a garage and has since grown to more than 660 employees.

Laren Pritchard, talent acquisition specialist with Rising Edge, explained how co-op placements help shape their workforce. "Sask Polytech students, because of the structure of their program and the co-op component, come out so much more experienced," she said. "We're not just hiring based on technical knowledge it's about the cultural fit, attitude and work ethic. Dion is the perfect example of someone who brought all of that."

After excelling during his placements, Mohr-Parker joined Rising Edge full-time as a commissioning technologist. He now works in protection and control systems, focusing on the testing and commissioning of substations across various industries including potash, utility and refinery sectors. His work has taken him as far as Nova Scotia, and he's even been approved for a U.S. visa to support future cross-border projects.

"I've tried to stay curious, keep learning and put in the work," said Mohr-Parker. "Rising Edge has been great at recognizing that and letting me spread my wings."

In addition to his fieldwork, Mohr-Parker recently returned to Sask Polytech to speak with current EET students alongside Pritchard, sharing insights into the industry and the path from student to professional. "I want to help a first-year student gain a better understanding of the real world and their future career, I know I would have appreciated that," Mohr-Parker noted. His presentation included an overview of transformer testing and practical tips on making the most of co-operative education placements.

"Congratulations to Co-operative Education at Sask Polytech for providing 40 years of paid, practical work-integrated-learning opportunities for our students," says Deanna Herman, associate dean of the Faculty of Technology and Skilled Trades. "Co-op work terms provide students with hands-on experience in a professional setting, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. Many graduates, like Dion, find employment with their co-op employer after graduation. It's a winning formula for all involved."

Rising Edge's connection to Sask Polytech continues to deepen, with plans to expand in Saskatchewan and an increasing focus on training and mentoring junior engineers and technologists. "Our goal is to build strong, field-ready professionals," said Pritchard. "We're looking to bring more engineering staff into Saskatchewan directly to support that growth."

As Mohr-Parker reflects on his journey from a teenager unsure of his future to a nationally mobile technologist he credits his success to staying open to opportunity. "You might not know exactly what you want to do at first and that's okay. There's no such thing as wasted knowledge."

With Sask Polytech marking four decades of co-operative education, stories like Mohr-Parker's are a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of hands-on learning and strong industry partnerships. His journey reflects not only his personal drive but also the value of a polytechnic education. Learn more about Sask Polytech's Electrical Engineering Technology diploma and co-operative education program.