Released on September 24, 2014
Today, Advanced Education Minister Kevin Doherty announced the proclamation of The Saskatchewan Polytechnic Act. This Act provides the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) authority to operate as a polytechnic institution and officially change its name to Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
“This new Act marks a milestone in the history of SIAST and post-secondary education in the province,” Doherty said. “SIAST has earned a reputation for delivering quality education while being responsive to the labour market needs of employers in Saskatchewan. This evolution to Saskatchewan Polytechnic will create even more opportunities for students, resulting in a stronger economy and the continued growth of our province.”
The Act clarifies SIAST’s authority to undertake and support applied research, grant degrees in accordance with The Degree Authorization Act, and fundraise for property.
In addition, SIAST will now become a member of Polytechnics Canada along with ten other members that offer a broad range of educational experiences, including four-year bachelor degrees.
The Saskatchewan Plan for Growth includes a goal to add 60,000 workers by 2020. The proclamation of this Act and creation of Saskatchewan Polytechnic will help to achieve this goal by providing increased applied training and education opportunities for post-secondary students in the province.
“Polytechnics are industry-responsive technical training enterprises that support economic growth through applied learning and applied research,” Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s president and CEO Dr. Larry Rosia said. “The Saskatchewan Polytechnic Act better equips us to accomplish our strategic goals of maximizing student success and providing skilled graduates to meet labour market needs.”
SIAST is Saskatchewan’s largest post-secondary institution for technical education and skills training. Approximately 93 per cent of SIAST graduates are employed after six months and 95 per cent of them find jobs in Saskatchewan.
About 26,000 students receive training annually in programs on campuses in Regina, Saskatoon, Moose Jaw and Prince Albert.
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For more information, contact:
Rikki Bote
Advanced Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4156