Kenaston, Saskatchewan — The Saskatchewan Distance Learning Centre (Sask DLC) has extended partnership agreements with the Saskatchewan Automobile Dealers Association
(SADA) and the Saskatchewan Association of Autobody Repairers (SAAR) to help offer work placement options for high school students.
Both associations have signed a two-year partnership extension with Sask DLC to enhance learning opportunities through work placement options for students taking online mechanical and automotive or autobody courses.
SAAR will provide an annual investment of $20,000 to fund a coordinator position with Sask DLC that will also facilitate work placements enrolled in Sask DLC’s autobody courses. Here, students taking Autobody 10 will be able to do full-online theory or combine it with a 25-hour work placement. Moreover, students in the program’s Autobody A20 and Autobody B20 will be able to complete 50 hours of online theory as well as a 50-hour work placement.
SADA will continue an annual investment of $40,000 to fund the delivery of Sask DLC’s mechanical and automotive program, including a coordinator position to set up student work placements.
“Our government is pleased to have the support of SADA and SAAR as we continue to offer these innovative programs to Saskatchewan students,” said Jeremy Cockrill, the Minister responsible for Sask DLC. “We see that students are eager to explore and learn this career path. These work placement opportunities will provide students with real experience and allow them to start building valuable networking skills when they enter the workforce.”
“Our association recognizes the importance of introducing students to opportunities in this high-demand industry. We are excited to continue our support of Sask DLC work placements, providing students with real-world applications of their course learning,” said Tom Bissonette, executive director of SAAR.
Sask DLC currently offers five mechanical and automotive courses for students across the province, including a 10-level introductory course where students can choose to do full-online theory or participate in 75 hours of online theory with a 25-hour work placement. At the 20 and 30 level, each course is combined with 50 hours of online theory and 50 hours of in-person work placement at a local business.
To see the full press release, click here.
