Prime Highlights:
$800,000 contribution to Sask Polytech to support sustainable energy training.
Funding will enhance programs in solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and biofuels to equip students with green skills for the future.
Key Background:
The RBC Foundation has announced an $800,000 donation to Saskatchewan Polytechnic (Sask Polytech), aiming to enhance the institution’s efforts in training the next generation of professionals in the sustainable energy sector. The donation will support graduates from Sask Polytech’s Faculty of Technology and Skilled Trades engineering technology programs, who are preparing to play a pivotal role in Canada’s transition to a net-zero economy.
This contribution will bolster Sask Polytech’s educational programs by updating course materials and introducing new electives, micro-credentials, and custom training focused on green energy technologies, such as solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, and biofuels. The goal is to equip students with the skills necessary to reduce emissions and foster a sustainable future, directly aligning with Canada’s environmental targets.
Kim Ulmer, RBC’s regional president, emphasized the urgency of developing a skilled workforce to meet the demand for sustainable energy jobs, with projections suggesting 235,000 to 400,000 new roles will emerge in green industries over the next decade. “This donation will help students upskill to take advantage of these opportunities and contribute to Canada’s climate goals,” Ulmer stated.
Sask Polytech President and CEO, Dr. Larry Rosia, expressed gratitude for RBC Foundation’s continued support, noting that the funding will allow the institution to expand its sustainability-focused courses, ensuring students are prepared to meet the challenges of the evolving energy sector. Additionally, the Energy and Resources Lab at Sask Polytech’s Moose Jaw campus will serve as a critical resource for training, offering state-of-the-art equipment for hands-on learning in energy-efficient technologies. This initiative is part of Sask Polytech’s broader commitment to sustainability and its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting affordable and clean energy solutions.
