MOOSE JAW — Saskatchewan Polytechnic has received an $800,000 donation from the RBC Foundation to enhance training programs for students entering the sustainable energy sector this month.
The announcement was made at the Macoun Lounge of the Moose Jaw Sask. Polytech campus on the morning of March 20, underscoring a shared commitment to preparing a workforce adept in green technologies.
This substantial contribution aims to bolster Sask. Polytech’s Faculty of Technology and Skilled Trades by updating curricula and introducing new courses focused on renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and biofuels. The initiative aligns with Canada’s objective of achieving a net-zero economy and addresses the anticipated shift in the job market.
“3.1 million Canadian jobs — or 15 per cent of the labour force — will be disrupted over the next 10 years as the country transitions towards a net-zero economy,” said Kim Ulmer, RBC’s regional president. “This donation is intended to help students upskill to take advantage of significant opportunities, with 235,000 to 400,000 new jobs predicted to be added in fields where enhanced skills will be critical.”
Sask. Polytech’s programs are designed to be responsive to both industry and student needs, offering flexibility and maintaining an academic focus that aligns closely with applied research.
The RBC Foundation’s donation supports the evolution of Sask. Polytech’s programming to enable broader accessibility through the creation of additional electives, new micro-credentials, custom training, and the adaptation of content within existing courses.
“Thank you to RBC Foundation for your continued support to ensure our graduates are ready to help shape the sustainable energy sector workforce,” said Dr. Larry Rosia, Sask. Polytech’s president and CEO, during the presentation. “We currently offer multiple sustainability-focused courses, and this funding will allow us to leverage our resources and expertise to offer additional programming and build new courses to enable students to gain green skills needed for their future careers.”
The donation will also leverage Sask. Polytech’s existing infrastructure, such as the Energy and Resources Lab at the Moose Jaw campus. This 1,000-square-foot (92.9 square metre), net-zero facility focuses on sustainable energy technologies, smart grids, and energy-efficient home construction. The lab provides the systems and equipment required for workforce re-skilling.
“Sustainability is one of our values; it provides direction to working, living, and learning in a socially and environmentally responsible manner,” explained Brenda Suru, dean of the Faculty of Technology and Skilled Trades. “This donation will help us create multiple pathways for training to reduce emissions and improve sustainability. This includes students training for new careers and re-skilling and up-skilling the current workforce.”
, a global initiative to further the United Nations’ sustainable development initiative. This funding contributes to five specific SDG goals — four, seven, nine, 11, and 13 — which include ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
The partnership between RBC Foundation and Sask. Polytech takes a proactive approach to addressing the evolving demands of the energy sector by equipping students with essential skills and knowledge. As Canada transitions to a greener economy, this collaboration enhances career prospects while supporting environmental sustainability.
For more information about Sask. Polytech’s Faculty of Technology and Skilled Trades, visit .
To learn more about Sask. Polytech and its range of program options, visit .
The Sask. Polytech Campus in Moose Jaw is located at 600 Saskatchewan Street West.
