Saskatchewan Polytechnic is giving high school students the opportunity to go hands-on with some programs for a few hours as part of an initiative to help youths understand what the organization offers.
The educational institution is running its annual INSIGHT program in March and April at all four campuses for students in grades 11 and 12 and recent graduates. The organization will feature 50 events across the four locations.
Some activities in which students can participate include touring labs and seeing practical demonstrations, playing games or activities that showcase a program and using equipment or materials on-site.
In Moose Jaw, Sask. Polytech is running electrical engineering events on March 16 and 30, carpentry activities on March 29, business program events on April 4, agriculture and food production activities on April 6 and civil and environmental engineering events on April 12.
All events run at the Moose Jaw campus’ main building at 600 Saskatchewan Street, except for carpentry, which occurs at the Town ‘n’ Country Mall.
To attend the five programs, students must register by visiting the website.
“It’s one thing to read about a program on our website or to hear about it from an advisor … , but we believe it’s really valuable to see the program space, interact with faculty members and students and participate in a hands-on activity,” said Scott Hellings, student recruitment advisor.
“Even if you’re on the fence or unsure if a program interests you, this is a really good way to figure out if this is the program for you. There’s no cost to attend, so there’s nothing to lose.”
Hellings gave an idea of what students can expect if they attend the carpentry workshop. The youths will visit the shop, see the equipment, learn about the program, understand how to register, discover possible careers, learn about the provincial apprenticeship program and make something out of wood.
The five programs that Sask. Polytech is showcasing in Moose Jaw were all chosen because those departments agreed to participate because they had the time and resources, Hellings said. However, if students are interested in learning more about a program that INSIGHT is not offering, they can contact Hellings and he can arrange a time for them to visit.
“I just think it’s a really good opportunity for students to experience the program. And here in Moose Jaw, I think it’s a good opportunity for local students because I think some students may not be aware of what we have here in our own backyard,” he continued.
“You can get a really good education here. You don’t have to worry about moving or commuting.”
Sask. Polytech’s programs offer co-op work terms so students can apply their skills in real-world situations while also networking, gaining experience and being paid, which are major benefits, Hellings said.
There are several engineering technology programs at the Moose Jaw campus, so students interested in that field — or science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in general — should check out the institution, he added.
For more information, contact Scott Hellings at 306-691-8385 or email moosejawrecruit@saskpolytech.ca.
