Canadian Football League Players' Association and Saskatchewan Polytechnic announce partnership
December 22, 2020 – The Canadian Football League Players' Association (CFLPA) and Saskatchewan Polytechnic announce a new collaboration that provides CFLPA members access to the polytechnic's School of Continuing Education courses and programs through a tuition benefit program.
The agreement gives hundreds of active CFL players and their spouses the opportunity to advance their educations through Sask Polytech's School of Continuing Education, which offers diplomas, certificates, degrees and micro-credential offerings. CFLPA members will also have access to proactive career counseling and preparedness in an effort to prepare them for their careers after football.
Due to the volatile nature of professional football, the average career in the CFL is three years or less. Since its inception in 2016, the CFLPA has sought to provide career development opportunities aimed at helping the league's active players prepare for life outside of professional football.
"The day and life of a professional football player can be an unpredictable journey. Our Academy at the CFLPA has been set up based on the needs of our members to make sure they have the tools to succeed in football, and in the days after," said Solomon Elimimian, president of the CFLPA. "By adding this partnership with Sask Polytech to our Academy's reach, we know that players in Canada and around the world can begin planning for their futures on the field, on the job site or in the board room."
"Post-secondary education is important to opening doors after a career in the CFL," Advanced Education Minister Gene Makowsky said. "I applaud this positive partnership as it provides an excellent opportunity for athletes and their families to pursue a dynamic and rewarding professional career, both on and off the field."
"Saskatchewan is known worldwide as a province that is passionate about football, the Canadian Football League, in particular," said Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask Polytech president and CEO. "We are both honoured and happy for this collaboration with the CFLPA. Through this partnership, Sask Polytech looks forward to helping CFLPA members, and their families, meet their educational and career goals, outside of football. We are ready to assist CFLPA members in transitioning to careers beyond the football field."
The School of Continuing Education will assist CFLPA members with this important career milestone and help them be resilient in the face of transformation, while gaining the skills they need to adapt and succeed in the workforce. The School of Continuing Education brings together Sask Polytech's internal expertise to advance professional development programs, corporate training and micro-credential offerings. Courses are market-driven and regularly updated to reflect emerging trends and best practices.
Sask Polytech's School of Continuing Education was launched in September 2020. While Sask Polytech has offered an array of credentials including diplomas, certificates and degrees for several years, the School of Continuing Education is also offering micro-credentials. This new credential represents a flexible and cost-effective strategy to advance professional skills. Micro-credentials attest that specific skills and/or competencies have been met and are generally achieved in a shorter time period than traditional credentials, such as diplomas or degrees.
Learn more about Sask Polytech's School of Continuing Education.
About the CFLPA:
The Canadian Football League Players' Association is the union for professional football
players in the Canadian Football League. Since 1965, the Association has worked to
establish fair and reasonable working conditions while protecting the rights of all
CFL players. In addition to negotiating and enforcing the terms of the Collective
Bargaining Agreement, the CFLPA provides a variety of member services, builds corporate
and community partnerships and works diligently for the betterment of its membership.
About Saskatchewan Polytechnic:
Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves students through applied learning opportunities at
campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, and through extensive
distance education opportunities. Programs serve every economic and public service
sector. As a polytechnic, the organization provides the depth of learning appropriate
to employer and student need, including certificate, diploma and degree programs,
and apprenticeship training. Saskatchewan Polytechnic engages in applied research,
drawing on faculty expertise to support innovation by employers, and providing students
the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.