SK’s grad rates are great, but education’s impact is what really matters

Image credit: Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Image credit: Saskatchewan Polytechnic

By Dr. Larry Rosia, president and CEO

Anyone who has spent any time in Saskatchewan knows this is a province that punches above its weight.

With a population of a little more than 1.1 million, Saskatchewan is a global leader in several key economic sectors, notably mining, energy and agriculture. These sectors are critical to Canada’s wellbeing and our high standard of life.

Not bad for a province that is 14 times smaller than Ontario and eight times smaller than Quebec in terms of overall population.

Determination, resilience and hard work define Saskatchewan. I see it every day in the character of students who come to Saskatchewan Polytechnic to study. I see it in the quality of our faculty and staff. I see it in the innovation that results from our applied research expertise. And I see it in our supportive industry partners.

Now, there is further evidence of Saskatchewan’s above-average standing.

New data from Statistics Canada on postsecondary education pathways of college and university students show students who seek career, technical or professional training at a Saskatchewan higher-education institute have a graduation rate of 73.3 per cent after three years—far above the national average of 41.1 per cent.

If you drill down even further, you will discover that Saskatchewan’s graduation rate in this category actually leads the nation.  

This is a good news story about Saskatchewan because education positively impacts lives in so many ways. One could even go so far as to say that education makes dreams come true. Whether it be credentials such as a diploma or degree, continuing education training or upskilling through Surge Micro-credentials, Sask Polytech’s educational offerings have made and continue to make a tremendous difference in people's lives.

Take the case of Taylor Freemantle, a 2017 graduate of Sask Polytech’s Architectural Technologies diploma program. Since finishing the program, she has worked full time as an architectural technologist at Voce Developments in Saskatoon and started her own company called Aspire Drafting & Design.

Even more remarkable is that today she lives in a home she designed and constructed!

“It’s an amazing feeling,” she says. “My education definitely gave me the ability to make this dream come true.”

Sask Polytech graduate Aubray Gadd’s story is another example of the positive impact of a post-secondary education. After some time in the workforce, Aubray was accepted into the Sask Polytech Business diploma program as a mature student.

Through the final stage of her two-year diploma program, she landed an internship with SGI. This led to her professional career with SGI. She has since moved up to the position of major loss adjuster.

“I have overcome many obstacles to get here,” says the 2018 graduate. “A better life for my children has been my motivation.”

Other post-secondary institutions undoubtedly have similar examples. While the stories may be different, it is clear to me that Saskatchewan people are driven to rise above their present circumstances.

Institutions like Sask Polytech exist to help them do just that.

Cart