Regina, Saskatchewan – Saskatchewan Polytechnic is helping high school students kick-start careers in the collision repair sector.
The post-secondary institution is working with Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre (Sask DLC) to run a one-day learning camp at its Regina campus.
The program is open to high schoolers taking autobody courses online.
According to Dr. Larry Rosia, president of Saskatchewan Polytechnic, the event will give students the opportunity to learn about building careers in the automotive sector. "High school students gain valuable insights and benefits from exploring trades and participating in these interactive camps on campus.”
Sask DLC currently offers secondary school students access to four auto repair courses. Students participating in the optional learning camp at Sask Polytech will earn six credit hours toward work placement requirements included in most of the courses.
Interest in its autobody repair courses is on the rise. In the 2023/2024 school year, just 77 students signed up for its courses. This year, more than 205 students registered for courses. Students participating in the optional learning camp will earn six credit hours toward work placement requirements.
Student work placements are made possible thanks to a partnership with the Saskatchewan Association of Automotive Repairers which allows students to be offered placement opportunities near their home community and supports the recruitment of qualified employees to serve the industry in the future.
“Our association is pleased to introduce students to opportunities in industry,” SAAR executive director Tom Bissonnette said. “Work placements in industry provide students with fundamental and practical skills to go alongside their Sask DLC course learning."
