Bermuda Electric Light Company employee advances career through training at Sask Polytech
Experienced instructors and friendly classmates have international student T’Shun Basden from Bermuda thrilled with the decision to pursue training at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. Initiated by his employer, Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (BELCO), Basden began his studies in the Heavy Equipment Truck and Transport certificate program at Saskatoon campus in August 2022 and is on track to graduate in May.
“The instructors have been very friendly and helpful,” says Basden. “Their experience in industry and time spent in the workforce makes them very knowledgeable. They can put their experience together with the information from the textbook and provide students with a well-rounded education.”
The industry connection and combination of theoretical and applied learning offered in the program were important to Jason Simons, logistics manager at BELCO, when researching a program for his employee.
“While reviewing the curriculum of several different post-secondary schools, Sask Polytech stood out as having general job skills included in the mechanical program. As a company, we really value the addition of essential job skills and trade mathematics in the curriculum which aids in building a well-rounded team member,” says Simons.
In his current role with BELCO, Basden carries out preventative and corrective maintenance on a fleet of more than 100 vehicles and equipment. His training at Sask Polytech will give him the opportunity to advance his career to an auto tech position.
Basden is learning alongside 11 other students and is impressed with the comradery and knowledge the classmates share. He is able to bring his experience from industry and an international perspective to the group. He is learning a lot from his classmates who have experiences of their own including working on equipment in cold weather and on family farms.
“My fellow classmates are awesome,” he says. “They have welcomed me into their homes across the province and have shared their knowledge and experience with me. We learn from each other.”
In addition, the welcoming environment in the classroom, Basden is also impressed with the information and support provided by the International Education team.
“The orientation they provide to international students is on point. It’s not easy to come to a new country but they had steps and procedures for me to follow which helped ease the stress of an international move.”
For more information on this program visit Heavy Equipment and Truck and Transport Technician - Certificate.
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